Image courtesy of Bill Dewey
Channel Islands Restoration biologists recently completed a comprehensive biological study of the Sierra Madre Potreros. The potreros are expansive grasslands occupying about 1,500 acres that are located in the Los Padres National Forest on the edge of San Rafael Wilderness between the Sisquoc River and the Cuyama River. The study was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, working in close cooperation with the Los Padres National Forest through the Southern California Forests and Watersheds – Wildfires Restoration Grant Program.
We found high plant species diversity including 171 species of plants, including seven species of native grasses, and three species of rare plants: Amsinckia douglasiana, Caulanthus lemmonii, and Layia heterotricha. About 78 percent of the plants on the potreros are native and 21 percent are non-native. The most problematic of the non-native plants is medusa head (Elymus caput-medusae). This non-native species invades grasslands and other communities and takes over, eliminating habitat for native plants and animals, eliminating forage for cattle and other livestock, and increasing fire hazards. In California, medusa head now occupies more than one million acres, and continues to expand its range by about 12 percent every year. We are currently seeking funding to support habitat restoration efforts on the potreros. Can you help?
We observed at least 43 species of invertebrates, 9 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, 51 bird species and at least 8 mammal species. Contrary to the plant diversity, the animal diversity is relatively low as compared to other habitats in our region, and the population size of several species is low. Western meadowlark, for example, is present, but in relatively small numbers. We are asking ourselves, “What can we do to increase the numbers of meadowlarks and other species such as burrowing owl?” To answer this question, we are seeking funding to write and implement a restoration plan. Can you or someone you know make a financial contribution to this effort?