1. Presented by: Margee Haines, Bruce Rudy, Nuyi Tao Santa Catalina Island The Galapagos of the U.S.

2. Santa Catalina Facts Volcanic Island, 22- miles from CA 50,000 acres Widest diversity of plants and animals among Channel Islands Economic, recreational, and scientific uses

3. Ecology of Santa Catalina Rugged mountains, shallow soils, and an arid climate Habitat diversity: coastal-sage scrub, grasslands, oak woodland, dunes, and beaches High plant and animal diversity as well as endemism

4. Santa Catalina Land Use Facts Santa Catalina Conservancy (88%) Santa Catalina Island Company (11%) Private Ownership (1%)

5. Livestock and Mining Operations –Disruption of Native Plants –Stream Sedimentation –Erosion –Hydraulic Alteration Historic Human Impacts Introduction of exotic Plants and Animals –Catalina Thistle, Fennel –Bison, Goats, Pigs, Mule Deer

6. Threat #1: Human Impacts Resident population of 4,000; 1,000,000 visitors per year. Avalon residential development Over 200 miles of roads

7. Threat #2: Invasive Species Biggest long-term challenge >30% plant species aren’t native Threaten natural diversity Out-compete natives

8. Threat #3: Sensitive Species Catalina Island Fox Bald Eagles Catalina Mahogany Beechey Ground Squirrel Rattleless Rattlesnake Santa Catalina Monkey Flower

9. The Santa Catalina Conservancy Established in 1972 by Wrigley family Acquired 88% of Island in 1975 (42,000 acres) Funded by membership dues, large donors and revenue producing operations Mission: To maintain the health of the Island’s species by preserving and restoring habitat and allowing ecological processes to function without major human intervention for future generation.

10. Conservancy Partnerships Local Organizations –Local and National chapters of the Sierra Club –Eagles' Nest Lodge –AmeriCorps NCCC west region –The Catalina Island Women’s Forum –Volunteer Naturalist Corps Local Universities –University of Southern California –University of Reno - Geology

11. Conservancy Structure Board of Directors elected by life members 50 paid staff including 4-person Administrative Office Informal Consultation from Business and Recreational Users Formal Consultation from County and State Agencies Recruitment of Volunteers

12. Conservancy Goals Goal #1: Conservation –Habitat Restoration –Control Invasive Species –Maintenance of Native Animals (Island Fox Breeding Program)

13. Conservancy Goals (cont.) Goal #2: Education –Natural History Programs –Outings and Workshops –School Programs

14. Conservancy Goals (cont.) Goal #3: Recreation –Hiking –Camping –Biking –Jeep Eco-Tours –Horseback riding Bicycle Map

15. Activities and Projects Native Plant Nursery Hayfield Restoration Island Fox Breeding Program Rare and Endangered Plant Monitoring

16. Research Scientific Research –Established understanding of Island’s biophysical processes Used to begin restoration process

17. Monitoring Plant or vegetation monitoring –Invasive Weed Mapping –Rare Plant Population Searches and Mapping –Island Vegetation Map –Wetland plant communities Land Bird surveys –Understand how birds and other animals are responding to changes in the island's vegetation

18. Obstacles Staff members –Lack background/ education in conservation issues –Lack awareness of island’s unique ecology

19. Obstacles (cont.) Tourism Public/resident-lack of concern and education Need more coordination of restoration activities

20. Opportunities Support from top management Reasonable funding Huge population in Southern CA to Volunteer Expand Partnerships with Research Universities

21. Future of the Island The Galapagos of the U.S. Multiple Opportunities exist Success through Collaboration

22. Conservancy Report Card Grumbine’s ThemesDiscussionGrade Hierarchical ContextAware of connection btw abiotic/biotic components Ecological IntegrityConsistent with Mission, reinforced by projects Data CollectionStrong understanding of habitat/species/population MonitoringEstablished programs, average feedback Adaptive ManagementFamiliar with terminology, average application Interagency CooperationExempt, but in need of cooperation Organizational ChangeTop heavy, need stakeholder input and feedback Humans Embedded in NatureAwareness but too much human emphasis The Grade