California Department of Fish and Game Inland Desert - Region 6 San Jacinto Wildlife Area A Presentation to the California Fish and Game Commission March 7, 2012  Scott Sewell – Area Manager Wildlife Habitat Supervisor II A Presentation to the California Fish and Game Commission March 7, 2012  Scott Sewell – Area Manager Wildlife Habitat Supervisor II

2 About Us The Department of Fish and Game maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities. The Department of Fish and Game maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The Department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. The Department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.

3 Lands Program - responsible for assisting Regional staff in management of over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Lands Program - responsible for assisting Regional staff in management of over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. DFG manages 711 properties throughout the state. DFG manages 711 properties throughout the state. These properties provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species and comprise habitats from every major ecosystem in the state. These properties provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species and comprise habitats from every major ecosystem in the state. Lands Program administers several private lands conservation programs designed to assist landowners with the management of: Lands Program administers several private lands conservation programs designed to assist landowners with the management of: wetlands; wetlands; riparian habitats; riparian habitats; native grasslands and; native grasslands and; wildlife-friendly farmlands. wildlife-friendly farmlands. Lands Program Overview

CDFG Wildlife Areas Are NOT Ecological Reserves or Preserves and must be treated appropriately. Type A, B or C – all three are different Rules and regulations are found in Title 14 CC’s. WLA start in sec 550 and 551 Recreational public opportunities mean Rules, Regulations and Enforcement.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area Type (A) WLA

San Jacinto Wildlife Area (SJWA) Type (A) WLA Located in Western Riverside County, east of Lake Perris, between the cities of Perris, Moreno Valley and Hemet Consists of 2 units - Davis Road Unit (primary unit) 10,869 acres Created in 1979 by the CA Dept. of Water Resources (DWR) as mitigation for the CA State Water Project (SWP) Type A wildlife area, staffed and managed on site. Multi species reserve Stephens Kangaroo Rat Preserve/Conservation Plan Potrero Canyon Unit 9,117 acres Purchased in 2001

Aerial View of SJWA

Staffing at SJWA 1 Wildlife Habitat Supervisor II- Area Manager 1 Wildlife Habitat Supervisor I - Crew Leader 1 Tractor Operator Laborer 2 Fish and Wildlife Technicians 2 Seasonal Aids

SJWA Type "A" wildlife area representing the highest level of recreational use designation for State Wildlife Areas. Provides large Waterfowl and Upland hunting programs. Recreational resources provided by the SJWA include waterfowl and upland game hunting, bird watching, dog training, hiking and more! The SJWA is considered one of the premier hunting areas in southern California Many of the recreational uses are supported by active management of facilities including waterfowl ponds & marshes, upland units, riparians and trails.

Youth Waterfowl Hunts

Pheasant Hunts

Dog Training, Hunt Tests & Field Trials

The SJWA supports a diverse array of biological resources including habitats associated with the San Jacinto River floodplain and the San Jacinto foothill region. An important stop for many migratory birds along the Pacific flyway. CDFG is a participant in two regional conservation plans for which the SJWA provides significant conservation lands: the Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan (SKR HCP) Western Riverside County Multiple Species and Habitat Conservation (WRC MSHCP) Provides important conservation for a variety of state and federal special-status species requiring management of habitat conditions and monitoring of species status. The SJWA has components of several periods of California history and pre-history through the conservation of cultural and historical sites.

Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat

Coulters Goldfield at SJWA

Several Species of Birds of Prey

Waterfowl, Shorebirds and more!

Wildlife Areas-Inland Region Serving Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Riverside and San Bernardino counties

Ecological Reserves - Inland Deserts Region California’s ecological reserves not only protect special species and habitats, but also offer great opportunities for people to get out and enjoy nature with fishing, canoeing, photography, wildlife watching and more Ecological Reserves Wildlife Areas Inland Deserts Region

20 Thank You Thank You Please enjoy our Wildlife Areas responsibly Please enjoy our Wildlife Areas responsibly Scott Sewell, Manager Wildlife Habitat Supervisor II San Jacinto Wildlife Area (951)