Type: report
Article abstract: River Partners implemented Phase 1 of a comprehensive riparian restoration and enhancement plan of 55 acres on the County of San Diego's Lawrence and Barbara Daley Preserve (Preserve). A major goal of Phase 1 was to remove invasive non-natives plants in order to enhance the local habitat and promote ecosystem health in the downstream portion of the watershed by limiting the amount of invasive seeds and propagules being transported. In addition, a comprehensive restoration plan was designed in order to direct future restoration efforts of native vegetation (Phase 2). Restoring native vegetation to riparian and coastal scrub habitat, while targeting the desired habitat structure of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica), yellow-breasted chat (lcteria virens), and other neo-tropical migratory birds will greatly expand their available habitat and resources as well as thwart the re-colonization of non-native invasive species. The Daley Preserve Project is important because it contains patches of both live oak riparian forest (MSCP Tier I habitat) and Diegan coastal sage scrub (MSCP Tier II habitat). Biological surveys have shown that Dulzura Creek is also an important wildlife movement corridor, as well as breeding and foraging grounds for several MSCP covered species such as the coastal California gnatcatcher. The enhancement and restoration of 55 acres of riparian and coastal scrub habitat along Dulzura Creek will improve the quality and continuity of habitat for a variety of neo-topical migratory and resident birds, including several threatened and endangered species, as well as other native wildlife. Additionally, the project is a valuable component to the success of downstream restoration efforts in that it is important to remove invasive species and restore native vegetation in upstream reaches in order to suppress the subsequent reinfestation of invasive species and their spread downstream.
Number of pages: 20
Day: 16
Month: October
Year: 2012
Notes: SANDAG TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP) Land Management Grant: #5001585
Prepared for: San Diego Association of Governments; County of San Diego, Department of Parks and Recreation;
Prepared by: River Partners;
Keywords: California gnatcatcher; gnatcatcher; invasive plants; invasive species; nonnative removal; riparian; yellow-breasted chat (lcteria virens);
Species: California Gnatcatcher; Coastal California gnatcatcher
Vegetation communities: riparian forest & scrub
Threats: Invasive plants