our ecosystem seems healthy, but can i show it? development of an ecosystem i ndicator and
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OUR ECOSYSTEM SEEMS HEALTHY, BUT CAN I SHOW IT? Development of an Ecosystem I ndicator and Focus S pecies M anagement P lan. National Military Fish and Wildlife Association Annual Training Meeting Denver, Colorado 10-13 March 2014 Bob Schallmann, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
OUR ECOSYSTEM SEEMS HEALTHY, BUT CAN I SHOW IT?
Development of an Ecosystem Indicator and Focus Species Management Plan
National Military Fish and Wildlife Association Annual Training MeetingDenver, Colorado 10-13 March 2014Bob Schallmann, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
Primary Naval munitions facility on west coast
965 acres designated as Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
Important refueling station on the Pacific Flyway
Breeding stronghold for several state and federally listed threatened and endangered species
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
Traditional Methodology Special Status Species Focus
–Endangered Species Protection / Management
–“Don’t See The Forest For The Trees”
Baseline Surveys– Expensive– Time and Labor Intensive– Often Large Time Gaps
Between Efforts
Ecosystem Management “Ten Guiding Principles”
1. Maintain and improve the sustainability and native biodiversity of ecosystems
2. Administer with consideration of ecological units and timeframes
3. Support sustainable human activities4. Develop a vision of ecosystem health5. Develop priorities and reconcile conflicts6. Develop coordinated approaches to work
toward ecosystem health7. Rely on the best science and data available8. Use benchmarks to monitor and evaluate
outcomes9. Use adaptive management10. Implement through installation plans and
programs
Definitions Focal Species
– Those species of particular management interest (tied to regulations, funding, etc.)
Indicator Species – Species that can signal disturbance in
the system by exhibiting a specific response to environmental change.
Six Components of the Plan
1. Review Potential Species2. Review of Scientific Literature3. Based on Above, Select Species4. Develop Short-Term and Long-
Term Management Strategies5. Develop Schedule for Monitoring6. Establish Monitoring Protocols
Six Components of the Plan
Review Potential SpeciesEndangeredThreatenedAt-RiskCornerstone SpeciesSpecies of Regional InterestThink to the Future
Six Components of the Plan
Review of Scientific LiteratureRecent StudiesOngoing ResearchLocal Expertise
UniversitiesGovernment AgenciesPrivate Sector
Consider Threats/Stressors
Potential Stressors Physical
– Climate Change, Erosion, Fire, Human Use Biological
– Habitat Conversion, Invasives, Predators Chemical
– Water Quality, Pollution, Pesticides Social/Political
– Encroachment, Funding, Regulations
Six Components of the Plan
Select SpeciesBased on Prior Two
Steps, Select Initial Species
Needs to be Adaptable to Account for Future Changes
Six Components of the Plan
Develop Short-Term StrategiesInvasive Species RemovalHabitat Restoration
Develop Long-Term StrategiesMilitary Mission Habitat Conversion
Six Components of the PlanDevelop Schedule for Monitoring
Rotational Basis by TaxaBalance Monitoring Frequency with
Cost of Implementation Remain Flexible Based on New Data
Six Components of the Plan
Establish Monitoring ProtocolsConsistency = Reliable Data
InterpretationMany Protocols Already
DevelopedEach Survey Period Results in
a Snap-Shot in TimeOccasional Baseline Surveys
to Capture Existence of New Species
Special Thanks to… Brandon Barr, Rob Lovich, US Navy USGS ICF International Merkel and Associates MultiMAC JV
Photo by Jim Salywoda
Thank you!
Contact Information:Bob Schallmann
Naval Weapons Station Seal [email protected]