Photo Credit: Patricia Gordon-Reedy
Goal: Maintain or enhance existing Encinitas baccharis occurrences to ensure multiple conserved occurrences with self sustaining populations to increase resilience to environmental and demographic stochasticity, maintain genetic diversity, and ensure persistence over the long term (>100 years) in chaparral vegetation communities.
Management units: 3, 4, 6
Beginning in 2017, inspect Encinitas baccharis occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) using the regional IMG monitoring protocol to record abundance and collect habitat and threat covariate data to determine management needs. After 2017, repeat monitoring every 2 years.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Based upon occurrence status and threats, determine management needs including whether routine management or more intensive management is warranted. | in progress | |
| IMP-2 | Submit project metadata, monitoring datasets and management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. | in progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Surveys Completed Every 2 Years with Management Recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 6
Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions identified through the IMG monitoring at Encinitas baccharis occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Perform routine management activities, such as protecting occurrences from disturbance through enforcement and controlling invasive non-native plant species =20% absolute cover. | available for implementation | |
| IMP-2 | Submit project metadata and management data to the MSP Web Portal. | available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Routine Management Completed as Needed Based Upon Monitoring Recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 6
In 2017, continue a study begun in 2016 to characterize the population genetic structure, gene flow, and genetic diversity for Encinitas baccharis occurrences (see occurrence table). The study will determine if there is evidence of mixed ploidy levels within or among occurrences; evaluate vulnerability of occurrences to genetic drift and loss of genetic diversity; assess the level of gene flow among occurrences; identify if there are signatures of genetic bottlenecks or low genetic diversity in occurrences that have undergone recent reductions; and look for evidence of local population adaptation. Based on the results of the genetic analyses, management recommendations will include whether common garden and reciprocal transplantations are necessary before proceeding with population enhancement or restoration and will provide specific recommendations for collecting, bulking and distributing seed to enhance existing occurrences or establish new occurrences.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| RES-1 | Use BMPs to collect plant material for genetic samples at Encinitas baccharis occurrences in the MSPA. | In progress | Wed Demo |
| RES-2 | Evaluate the overall long-term genetic trajectory for Encinitas baccharis. | In progress | |
| RES-3 | Hold a workshop of scientists, rare plant experts, and land managers to develop management recommendations based upon the results of genetic analyses. | In progress | |
| RES-4 | Submit project metadata, genetic datasets and analyses, and report with management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. | In progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2017, Completed Genetic Study with Management Recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 6
In 2018, begin preparing a section for Encinitas baccharis in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to preserve genetic diversity and rescue occurrences in case of catastrophic disturbance. The plan should incorporate best science and management practices (Wall 2009; KEW 2016) and provide guidelines for collecting and storing seeds over the long term at a permanent, established conservation seed bank (e.g., Institute for Conservation Research Native Plant Seed Bank, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Seed Conservation Program) and for providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds for conservation banking; management oriented research; rescuing occurrences after catastrophic disturbances; and seed bulking and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or to establish new occurrences with consideration of genetic implications for population sustainability.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Consult the San Diego County Rare Plant Working Group made up of plant ecologists, geneticists, rare plant experts, land managers, restoration practitioners, seed banking and bulking practitioners, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders to provide input and recommendations for the Encinitas baccharis section in the MSP Species Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan. | some occurrences are in progress | Wed Demo |
| PRP-2 | Design the seed collection plan to incorporate genetic study results and with recommendations to collect seeds over multiple years and several times within a season, accumulate seeds across populations, and to sample among habitats and ecological niches. Include guidelines for collecting and storing seeds along maternal lines and to provide propagules to be used in management experiments, enhancement of existing occurrences, and establishment of new occurrences. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-3 | The seed collection plan should include guidelines for collecting seeds from occurrences of sufficient size to accommodate harvest. Include provisions for collecting seed from unconserved populations planned for development. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-4 | Include protocols and guidelines for collecting voucher specimens and submitting to the San Diego Natural History Museum (McEachern et al. 2007). | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-5 | Include guidelines for testing seeds for viability and to obtain information on dormancy and germination rates. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-6 | Submit project metadata and MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to MSP Web Portal. | some occurrences are in progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2019, Completed Encinitas Baccharis Section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 1, 7
In 2019, begin implementing the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Encinitas baccharis to collect and store seeds at a permanent seed bank and to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new occurrences.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Bulk seed at a qualified facility for enhancement, expansion, establishment or transplantation projects using seed from genetically appropriate donor accessions in the propagation seed bank collection. | waiting for precedent action | |
| IMP-2 | Maintain records for collected seed to document donor and receptor sites, collection dates and amounts. Submit seed collection, storage and bulking data to the MSP Web Portal. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2021, =1 Highest Priority Action Implemented for Encinitas Baccharis from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking, and Bulking Plan | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 4, 5, 8
Begin preparing a section for Encinitas baccharis in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to maintain or expand occurrences on Conserved Lands based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prioritize management recommendations to maintain large occurrences and enhance at least 3 small occurrences (see occurrence table). Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Consult the San Diego County Rare Plant Working Group made up of plant ecologists, geneticists, rare plant experts, land managers, restoration practitioners, seed banking and bulking practitioners, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders to provide input and recommendations for the Encinitas baccharis section of the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-2 | Develop a conceptual model that identifies management actions to effectively reduce threats to Encinitas baccharis occurrences. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-3 | Prioritize occurrences for management based upon an assessment of occurrence size, the potential for management to significantly reduce identified threats, and the availability of adjacent suitable habitat for occurrence expansion. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-4 | Develop an implementation plan for Encinitas Baccharis that prioritizes management actions for the next 5 years and details tasks, lead entities, responsibilities, and timelines, budgets. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| PRP-5 | Submit project metadata and MSP Rare Plant Management Plan to the MSP Web Portal. | some occurrences are in progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2019, Completed Encinitas Baccharis Section of the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 1, 7
Beginning in 2019, implement highest priority management actions identified in the Encinitas baccharis section of the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit project metadata, management datasets, and report to the MSP Web Portal. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2021, =1 High Priority Management Action Implemented for Encinitas Baccharis from the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 1, 7
Beginning in 2019, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Encinitas baccharis section of the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit metadata, management effectiveness datasets, analyses, and report to the MSP Web Portal. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of High Priority Management Actions Determined | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 4, 5, 8
Determine the population dynamics of Encinitas baccharis in response to natural and altered fire frequencies that may affect successional processes and population dynamics. The study should begin when the next fire burns an Encinitas baccharis occurrence and include subsequently burned occurrences to research post-fire recovery mechanisms (e.g., resprouter vs. obligate seeder) and circumstances in which post-fire management is necessary to facilitate robust post-fire recovery. Use results to identify postfire management actions for Encinitas baccharis to assist in recovery of burned populations.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| RES-1 | Submit project metadata, datasets, analyses, and report to the MSP Web Portal. | On hold |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Encinitas Baccharis Fire Study Completed and Report Submitted by 5 Years Post Fire | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Metric | Condition | Trend | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Conserved OccurrencesNumber of known, extant occurrences on conserved lands |
Good |
Improving |
Moderate |
2. Population StatusNumber of occurrences increasing in size over time |
Significant Concern |
Unknown |
Low |
3. Threats to OccurrencesPercent of occurrences with significant threats |
Caution |
Unknown |
High |
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Population Genetic Analysis of 6 Rare Plant Species in San Diego County
The first phase (years 1-2) of this research task focused on genetic and cytological screening to determine potential ploidy and population genetic differences among occurrences within species. Upon completion, an expert panel convened to review results of the genetic studies and develop specific recommendations for each species relative to the MSP management objectives planned for that species. These recommendations included designing appropriate common garden or reciprocal transplant studies to determine the fitness consequences of using seed from different populations to increase population size or establish new occurrences. The recommendations also addressed MSP objectives involving seed banking and seed bulking needs for each species. The expert panel also made recommendations on genetic management of populations, including whether genetic connectivity needs to be enhanced or restored to maintain or increase genetic diversity. Recommended and approved studies will be added in the second phase (beginning in year 3). The following questions were specifically addressed in phase 1:
1. What is the status of documented occurrences?
2. Is there evidence of mixed ploidy levels among or within occurrences?
3. What is current genetic structure among and within occurrences in the MSPA? How vulnerable are the occurrences to genetic drift and loss of genetic diversity and is there gene flow between occurrences?
4. Are there signatures of genetic bottlenecks or lower genetic diversity in populations that have undergone recent reductions due to fire, drought, or other causes, or evidence of local adaptation?
5. Based on the cytological and genetic analysis, what are the recommendations for common garden and reciprocal transplantations, for collecting, bulking and distributing seeds for enhancing existing occurrences, and for establishing new occurrences?
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Rare Plant Inspect and Manage Monitoring 2014-2026
From 2014-2026, a Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (MSP Roadmap) monitoring objective for 30 rare plant species is to inspect occurrences to determine management needs. The inspect and manage (IMG) objective is implemented to document the status of rare plant occurrences and assess habitats and threats to develop specific management recommendations. IMG monitoring is implemented by a combination of land managers and contracted biologists in coordination with the SDMMP. Available rare plant data is posted below. New annual updates are typically posted in March. Based upon an evaluation of these data, a 2014-2026 monitoring schedule has been developed for the 30 rare plant species (attached below). Coordinating data collection across the region allows analyses of species and population trends over time and provides a better understanding of the association between habitat and threat covariates and population dynamics.
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SR 94 Wildlife Infrastructure Plan
Proposed road improvements to SR 94 provide an opportunity to mitigate the potential barrier effects of the highway. This project identifies where improvements to existing infrastructure on SR-94 could improve connectivity across the South County preserves, using Best Management Practices from the scientific literature; recommends wildlife movement monitoring to identify where new crossings are needed; and identifies where additional conservation would enhance the integrity of South County linkages. The review prioritizes infrastructure improvements of 35 existing undercrossings inspected by wildlife experts in the field along 14.6 miles of SR-94 where the highway bisects conserved lands. The majority of the recommendations for infrastructure improvement focus on increasing the diameter, and thus the openness ratio (cross-sectional area divided by length), of the undercrossing itself, removing vegetation and debris blocking the undercrossing, restoring habitat in the approach to the undercrossing, and installing fencing to both (1) keep animals off the highway and (2) funnel wildlife to the undercrossings.
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Valley Fire Rare Plant Discovery Surveys
A project between the SDMMP and US Forest Service to establish and prioritize survey areas on Conserved Lands within the perimeter of the 2020 Valley Fire to document whether historic occurrences are extant and to discover new occurrences for 18 rare plant species. In 2022, AECOM and Conservation Biology Institute botanists surveyed areas for 18 target rare plant species and mapped the spatial extent of each new occurrence, counted or estimated the occurrence population size, and collected voucher specimens. They also photographed each new occurrence from a georeferenced location that captured a representative view of the occurrence. Botanists created a species list for the areas surveyed within the Valley Fire footprint. These areas included locations where rare plants were detected and mapped and negative data point areas where rare plants were not detected. In 2023, botanists shall again conduct surveys on suitable habitat on USFS lands burned in the 2020 Valley Fire. Results from these surveys should lead to a greater understanding of post-fire rare plant composition. In 2023, botanists may see species that did not emerge in the first year of surveys, and species found in the first year of surveys may have expanded their range. The 18 rare plant species included in the surveys are: San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia), Marvin's allium (Allium marvinii), Western spleenwort (Asplenium vespertinum), Deane's milkvetch (Astragalus deanei), Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae), San Diego goldenstar (Bloomeria clevelandii), Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), Lakeside ceanothus (Ceanothus cyaneus), San Miguel savory (Clinopodium chandleri), Variegated dudleya (Dudleya variegata), Mission Canyon bluecup (Githopsis diffusa filicaulis), Ramona horkelia (Horkelia truncata), Heart-leaved pitcher sage (Lepechinia cardiophylla), Felt-leaved pitcher sage (Monardella hypoleuca lanata), Chaparral nolina (Nolina cismontana), Gander's ragwort (Packera ganderi), Moreno currant (Ribes canthariforme), and Parry's tetracoccus (Tetracoccus dioicus).
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Reported as restricted to San Diego County [1,2]. Patchy along coast and occasionally interior areas [3]. Not documented as occurring in Mexico but possible given suitable habitat appears to exist there [3]. One of the rarest shrubs in Southern California [1]. In MSP area, reported in MU’s 3 (Otay Mountain), 4 (Iron Mountain, Mount Woodson), and 6 (Del Dios Highlands Preserve, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, Escondido Creek Preserve, Oakcrest Park), and some private lands [4].
FT, SE
Occurs in several types of chaparral habitats below 914m where maritime climate exists [3]. Reiser (1994) described primary habitat as low-growing chamise-dominated chaparral, with populations in Encinitas area occurring in association with Del Mar manzanita, mission manzanita, and Mojave yucca. Reported as associated with sandstone soils in Peninsular Ranges [5] and previously thought restricted to sandstone soils, but observed on additional soil types: Cieneba series, Corralitos loamy sand alluvial Huerhuero, San Miguel Exchequer, granitic, andesite rock outcrops, and soils derived from acid igneous rock (CNDDB 2011, cited in USFWS 2011).
Taxonomic classification and nomenclature of this species have not changed since described in 1980 [3]. A slender-stemmed shrub in the Asteraceae family, <2m tall from root crown, broom-like [6]. Distinguishable from other Baccharis by numerous, erect, glabrous stems; linear, entire leaves with only one principal vein; and delicate, narrowly tapered phyllaries (bracts that form inflorescence), which are reflexed at maturity [3, 7]. No studies focused on genetics [3].
Dioecious (plants have either male or female flowers). Staminate (male) flower heads contain clusters of 8-48 florets with white to pale yellow corollas, and pistillate (female) flower heads contain 8-150 florets with whitish corollas [6]. Probably pollinated by both wind and insects [3]. When federally listed (1996), rangewide population estimated to be ~2,000 individuals (CNDDB 1991 cited in USFWS 2011); lack of rangewide surveys so no accurate counts exist. Several attributes may limit distribution and population growth: (1) being restricted to a narrow belt of high-diversity chaparral having frost-free winters and summers moderated by cool, humid maritime air; (2) seedling establishment may be a rare event limited to formation of a canopy gap followed by an extended rainy season through late spring, or a few heavy rains during summer; (3) dioecious reproduction so both sexes needed for seed production [3].
Blooming period August-November [1].
Baccharis plants produce one-seeded dry fruits (achenes) attached to a cluster of bristly hairs (a pappus) which facilitates wind dispersal (Steinberg 2002 cited in USFWS 2011). Soils types may limit population dispersal [1]. Baccharis species appear to depend on disturbance for colonization and recruitment; this species appears to increase in numbers after disturbance that opens chaparral canopy, including fire (Messina 2001 cited in USFWS 2011). Can resprout following fire [3].
Primary threats when federally listed (1996) related to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation due to development; fuel modification and fire suppression activities (e.g., cutting and crown removal); trampling; small population size; interruption of the natural fire cycle; and nonnative plants. [3,8]. Some recent reduction in threats from urbanization and recreation. However, additional threats include potential impacts of parasitism, climate change, low recruitment, and lack of adequate representation of both sexual forms at population occurrences [3]. Limits of insect pollinators in isolated populations are important consideration [9].
May be unable to compete with taller, leafier shrubs such as manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) and ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) or may be short-lived (KEA Environmental Inc. 1999 cited in USFWS 2011). Long-term storage in seed banks not feasible because plant oils decay rapidly (D. Wilken pers. comm., 2010 cited in USFWS 2011). Attempts at local transplantation have not been very successful; nursery-grown stock should be transplanted to conserved land within its historical range [1].
[1] Reiser, C.H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, CA. Available online: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/rareplants/
[2] CNPS, Rare Plant Program. 2014. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 18 June 2014].
[3] USFWS. 2011. Baccharis vanessae (Encinitas baccharis). 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Prepared by US Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad, California. December 22, 2011. Available online: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc3974.pdf
[4] MSP-MOM. 2014. Management Strategic Plan Master Occurrence Matrix. http://sdmmp.com/reports_and_products/Reports_Products_MainPage.aspx
[5] Oberbauer, T. A. 1993. Soils and plants of limited distribution in the Peninsular Ranges. Fremontia 21(4): 3-7.
[6] Bogler, D. 2013. Baccharis, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.). Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=1615, accessed on Jun 18 2014.
[7] Beauchamp, R. M. 1980. Baccharis vanessae, a new species from San Diego County, California. Phytologia 46: 216-222.
[8] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered or threatened status for four southern maritime chaparral plant taxa from coastal southern California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico. Federal Register 61(195):52,370-52,384.
[9] SANDAG. 2003. Volume II Final MHCP Plan: Biological Analysis and Permitting Conditions. Prepared by AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. and Conservation Biology Institute for the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program Administered by SANDAG for the cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista.