Significant Natural Areas Resource Management Plan
2002 Draft

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (continued)

 

 

Executive Summary
1.  Overview

Introduction

NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM

NAP Background and  Goals

Objectives

Definitions

2. Management Approach

Goals

Values

Strategies

3. Setting

Biology

Vegetation

Wildlife

Landuse History

4. IPM
5. General Recommendation

Vegetation

Birds

Mammals

Soils, Erosion, and Public Use

6.Site Specific Recommendations

7. Monitoring

GR-1   GR-2   GR-3   GR-4   GR-5   GR-6   GR-7  GR-8   GR-9   GR-10   GR-11   GR-12

Table ES-1: Summary of General Issues and Recommendations (Continued)

Topic/Issue

Recommendations

WILDLIFE (continued)

Mammals

Issue GR-7: Predation by feral cats has a significant adverse impact on nesting birds and small mammal populations.

Recommendation GR-7a: SFRPD shall develop a program in coordination with the City Department of Animal Care and Control to reduce the population of feral cats within the Natural Areas. The most effective method to control feral cat populations is through a trapping and removal program.

Recommendation GR-7b: SFRPD shall work with the City Department of Animal Care and Control to educate the public about the adverse effects that feral cats have on bird species.

Issue GR-8: Important elements within natural habitats for survival of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians include underbrush, fallen logs, loose rocks, and rock outcrops. These elements are limited in their distribution and number.

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Recommendation GR-8a: These elements shall be preserved during vegetation management activities. Additionally, the removal of brush and trees provides material for brush piles. Brush piles shall be created whenever they are not offensive visually or a public safety hazard (see Recommendation GR-4d).

Invertebrates

Issue GR-9: Historically, native grassland habitats within the Significant Natural Resource Areas supported a wide array of butterfly species. However, a decline in species diversity has been documented over the last 30 years. This decline has probably resulted from the loss of native habitat due to increased development and increases in invasive plants.

Recommendation GR-9a: In revegetation efforts, favor species that are suitable host plants for these species, such as those from the mallow, carrot, sunflower, and legume families. Also consider those historically present within the Natural Areas (Appendix E).