park stewardship program - fy 2012 and 2013 - annual report on restoration

FY 2012 and FY 2013 Annual Restoration Report 1


Park Stewardship Program

Annual Report on Restoration

FY 2012 & FY 2013

10/1/2011 - 9/30/2013

Oakwood Valley - Wolfback Ridge - Milagra Ridge - Mori Point

February 20, 2014

Prepared by:

Christina Crooker, Restoration Manager Ruby Kwan, Assistant Project Coordinator


1. INTRODUCTION

Lupinus albifrons at Milagra Ridge

This annual report summarizes the accomplishments of Park Stewardship Program’s (PSP) restoration

actions at Oakwood Valley, Milagra Ridge, Mori Point, and Wolfback Ridge during the fiscal years of

2012 and 2013. In future years we hope to feature restoration work at all our stewardship sites in

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties, including work at Lands End, Presidio Coastal Bluffs, Dias

Ridge, and Muir Beach.

This report was developed for internal recordkeeping, information-sharing within different departments

of the Parks Conservancy, the Presidio Trust, and National Park Service. This document may also be a

helpful reference for future PSP staff and interns, as well as a helpful reference for Parks Conservancy

promotional, fundraising and outreach activities.

In order to help discern which projects are volunteer- friendly and which are not, we have marked

invasive species work with the following symbols:

A leaf represents invasive species work conducted by staff, interns or contractors

A hand represents invasive species work conducted by volunteers

The “Future Projects and Resource Needs” listed under each site shows tasks that fall into one of three

categories:

Those that require technical skills, such as tree removal projects that require certifications in

chainsaw operation and herbicide application.

Those that are beyond the scope of our finite volunteer resources and limited field staff to

achieve greater control of invasives that we know to be manageable – given the proper

resources, such as extensive broom removal at Marincello or Oakwood Valley.

Removal of invasive plants in challenging locations including cliff sides or poison oak patches.

Areas of need have been listed by site in this report, and will be prioritized in follow-up meetings with

key park managers.

Data on work hours and exotics removed are taken from the Work Performed Database.


2. ALL PARK STEWARDSHIP SITES

Tools for success

2.1 DISTRIBUTION OF LABOR

These hours represent invasive species removal work in the field that were entered in the work

performed database. Other types of work such as endangered species monitoring or planning and

scoping are not captured but are a significant focus of the restoration team.

The vast majority of total work hours continue to be spent at Mori Point (68%). This trend originated

with the transformation of Mori Point and project-oriented funding allocated toward restoration

that started in 2007.

We expect to see a more equitiable distribution of volunteer resources across all sites in the future.

As usual, Wolfback Ridge received the least amount of hours (4%) primarily due to difficult

conditions for volunteers.

FIGURE 2-1. FY2013. Proportion of all work performed hours by site (n = 4,204).

Mori Point 47%

Oakwood Valley 28%

Milagra Ridge 19%

Wolfback Ridge 6%


2.2 DISTRIBUTION OF LABOR – ANNUAL COMPARISON

The amount of work at Mori has decreased due to completion of Phase 1 of the Mori Point

Restoration and Trails Project.

FIGURE 2-2. FY2013. Proportion of volunteer hours performed by site (n = 1,627). There were no volunteers at Wolfback Ridge.

Oakwood Valley 22%

Mori Point 63%

Milagra Ridge 15%

FIGURE 2-3. Annual comparison of work performed hours at each site.

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Mori Point Oakwood Valley Milagra Ridge Wolfback Ridge

Wo

rk h

ou

rs

CY 2006CY 2007FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010FY2011FY 2012FY 2013


Volunteerism across all sites (including school groups, regular volunteers, and special groups)

peaked in 2010.

FIGURE 2-4. Annual comparison of volunteer hours.

1,284

1,925

2,637

3,099

3,758

2,470 2,538

1,527

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Vo

lun

tee

r h

ou

rs


3. OAKWOOD VALLEY

Rolling green hills at Oakwood Valley

3.1 WORK PERFORMED SUMMARY

Maintained a French broom-free corridor on either side of Alta Avenue to protect the Wildland

Urban Interface.

Planted 307 coyote brush in Wildland Urban Interface tree removal areas and removed invasive tree

saplings.

Maintained our investment in revegetated areas by removing disturbance-loving weeds from all our

planting footprints.

Controlled French broom in the vicinity of Mission blue butterfly (MBB) habitat patches.

Continued Oakwood Valley–wide Cape ivy eradication.

Tested the effects of different types of mulch on native planting success.

Monitored Mission blue butterflies and documented an increasing population.

Removed 184 blue gum eucalyptus and 365 acacia trees as part of Phase 1 of the Oak Rehabilitation

Project, funded by a private donor to rehabilitate oak forests in the aftermath of a massive dieback

due to Sudden Oak Death.

Planted 362 coyote brush and 135 oak acorns to revegetate oak woodlands.

Protected the health of wetland meadows by removing invasive perennial grasses.

Controlled incipient populations of invasive plants site wide.


3.2 WORK HOURS CONTRIBUTED

In 2013, Oakwood Valley was primarily managed by Parks Conservancy staff and interns who

contributed nearly 50% of work hours.

The North Bay Conservation Corps contributed 17% of hours as part of the privately funded Oak

Rehabilitation Project.

25% of hours are from special groups (large volunteer events and corporate groups).

Regular drop in programs and ongoing school partnerships accounted for 6% of work hours.

Increases in regular programming, especially with local colleges would help to accomplish volunteer-

friendly tasks like broom control.

Restoration Technicians replaced contractors in 2011 in maintaining a broom-free Wildland Urban

Interface at Oakwood Valley.

Volunteerism peaked in 2010.

FIGURE 3-1. Oakwood Valley. Annual comparison of work hours contributed by group type.

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

Staff Contractor/Rest. Techs. Volunteer Youth Intern Program

Wo

rk h

ou

rs

CY2006CY2007FY2008FY2009FY2010FY2011FY2012FY 2013

FIGURE 3-2. Oakwood Valley FY 2013. Proportion of work hours contributed by group type (n=1,168).

Conservation Corps 17%

Restoration Technicians

14% Interns

31% Staff 4%

Special Groups 25%

School Program 4%

Volunteer Program

2%

Youth Intern Program

3%


3.3 INVASIVE SPECIES

See maps in Appendix for detailed information on species and locations treated.

3.3.1. General Control

Mission blue butterfly habitat

Hand pulled French and Scotch broom

within MBB patches 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and

10.

Re-treated Harding grass near MBB

patches 7 & 8. Broom is decreasing

each year.

Treated cotoneaster in MBB patch 8.

Cotoneaster is a problem in all MBB

sites and should be targeted more

widely.

Wetland meadows

Re-treated Harding grass, tall fescue,

and orchard grass in Bagshaw, Social,

and Middle Meadows.

Amount of invasive Harding grass and

tall fescue are decreasing each year.

Harding grass is being replaced by

velvet grass in Bagshaw meadow.

However, velvet grass is a lower priority

since it is already is widely established

at Oakwood and seems to thrive only in

wet sites, whereas Harding grass is still

incipient and can overtake dry butterfly

habitat.

Cape ivy

Followed-up on all patches of this park

priority invasive plant. We flagged and

counted resprouts which continue to

decline annually.

Removed tarps covering Cape ivy.

Controlled general weeds such as wild

radish, bristly ox-tongue, poison

hemlock, Italian, bull, and sow thistles

from Patch 3058 and Cape ivy piles.

Figure 3-3. Experienced staff, like Restoration Intern Marcela Maldonado, remove broom in the vicinity of lupines, which are carefully flagged.

Figure 3-4. Restoration intern Zachariah Jefferson assesses a patch of ox-eye daisy at Marincello. Afterwards, Zachariah and Marcela, apply mulch in areas where ox-eye daisy was removed.


Revegetation areas

Mulched entire planting area to suppress Italian thistle, bull thistle, and poison hemlock.

Removed annual grasses (Avena and Bromus sp.), thistles, and poison hemlock from around

plantings to reduce competition.

Treated Italian thistle, bull thistle, and poison hemlock in planting footprint.

Oakwood Valley trail

Treated general weeds (Italian and bull thistle, invasive grasses, poison hemlock, and fennel)

along valley trails and Alta Ave.

Incipient invasives

Removed harlequin flower, panic veldt grass, and ox-eye daisy. Controlled ox-eye daisy at

Marincello and mulched to prevent resprouts.

Mapped populations of panic veldt grass, harlequin flower, and ox-eye daisy for follow-up.

3.3.2 Broom Control

French broom was controlled by Go Native in MBB patches 9 and 10 in 2010. Follow-up control in

those areas resumed in 2012 and 2013.

Striated broom was targeted at Marincello in 2012 with youth from Project Regen. It was also

targeted in 2009 with Go Native. Much more work remains.

Scotch broom was removed from above MBB patch 8 in 2012.

French broom is removed annually within the Wildand Urban Interface, a 15 foot corridor along

either side of Alta Avenue, cleared in 2004 to reduce the threat of fire in the park escaping to nearby

Marin City.

FIGURE 3-5. Oakwood Valley. Annual comparison of French and Scotch broom individuals treated site-wide.

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

400000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

# o

f in

div

idu

als

rem

ove

d Scotch broom

French broom


The need for follow-up control within the Wildland Urban Interface at Alta Avenue has dropped

since 2007. However, ongoing follow up is still significant, costing the Park Stewardship Program

approximately $5,000 per year in Restoration Technician time to maintain our 2004 investment.

3.3.3 Treatment of Cape Ivy Resprouts

Cape ivy has been treated with the goal of complete eradiation from Oakwood Valley since 2006.

Seven patches have not had resprouts in two or more years (DEOD 3056, 3054, 3051, 3167, 3132,

and 3187, New Patch).

Eight patches remain active, but the number of resprouts continues to diminish, underscoring the

importance of our long–term commitment to control.

Another patch was located in 2013, called Fresh Patch. This patch is across the stream from DEOD

3056 and it is likely an extension of this patch. Control was conducted where it spans the stream in

2013, and full control (scrape to bare earth and tarp) is slated for 2014.

FIGURE 3-6. Oakwood Valley. Annual comparison of French and Scotch broom individuals treated at the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

# o

f in

div

idu

als

rem

ove

d Scotch broom

French broom


3.3.4 Oak Rehabilitation Project

Phase 1

Worked with a private donor to

rehabilitate oak woodland in the

aftermath of a coast live oak

dieback due to Sudden Oak Death.

Restored 5.45 acres containing

coast live oak seedlings and

saplings.

Removed 365 invasive acacia trees

(A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon).

Removed 184 eucalyptus trees.

Phase 1 cost: $15,500.

See Oakwood Valley Restoration

Project Progress Report 2012 and

Oakwood Valley and Oakwood Valley Restoration Project Phase 2 Progress Report 2013.

FIGURE 3-7. Oakwood Valley. Number of Cape ivy resprouts each year.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160#

of

Cap

e iv

y re

spro

uts

Non-quantified treatment 2009 (resprouts counted) 2010 (resprouts counted)2011 (resprouts counted) 2012 (resprouts counted) 2013 (resprouts counted)

FIGURE 3-8. Oakwood Valley. Oak Rehabilitation Project map. White polygons represent areas where eucalyptus and acacia trees were removed.


3.4 REVEGETATION

3.4.1 Wildland Urban Interface (former eucalyptus removal areas)

To outcompete thistles and poison hemlock that are

invading former Eucalyptus removal sites:

282 coyote brush were planted in 2012.

26 coyote brush were planted in 2013.

Used different mulching methods to suppress invasive

weeds and measured coyote brush survival in each.

In Pacheco, where soils are deeper and moister, coyote

brush survival was enhanced by the addition of either

plastic or cardboard mulch to rice straw mulch. This is

likely due to reduced competition from poison hemlock.

In EUGL 6, where soils are thinner and less organic, there

was no apparent effect of mulching regime on coyote

brush survival.

See Coyote brush survivorship with different mulching methods at EUGL 6, Oakwood Valley and

Coyote brush survivorship with different mulching methods at Pacheco subsite, Oakwood Valley

for details.

FIGURE 3-10. Poison hemlock grows through holes in cardboard and plastic mulch where coyote brush was planted.

FIGURE 3-9. Oakwood Valley. Oak Rehabilitation Project before (top) and after (bottom) pictures of acacia trees removed.


3.4.2 Oak Rehabilitation Project (eucalyptus and acacia removal areas)

Planted 362 coyote brush in 2013 to revegetate areas where eucalyptus and acacia were removed

as part of the Oak Rehabilitation Project.

Survivorship of coyote brush has not yet been quantified but they appear to be thriving.

FIGURE 3-11. Oakwood Valley. Coyote brush survival under different mulching regimes.

68% 65% 68%

48%

81%

90%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Straw mulch only Plastic sheeting & straw mulch Cardboard sheeting and strawmulch

% s

urv

ival

of

coyo

te b

rush

EUGL 6

Pacheco

FIGURE 3-12. Oakwood Valley. Oak Rehabilitation Project before (top) and after (bottom) pictures of eucalyptus/acacia trees removed, and subsequent outplanting of coyote brush in the project footprint.


Planted 135 coast live oak acorns. Acorns were planted three to a hole and when more than one

germinated, extra oak seedlings were either cut or transplanted elsewhere in June 2013 to ensure

the survival of one seedling.

44% of germinated acorns survived.

See Survivorship of Quercus agrifolia, Oak Rehabilitation Project

3.5 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.5.1 Special Status Species Monitoring

3.5.1.1 Mission blue butterfly

337 Mission blue butterflies were observed

on-transect in 2013, contributing to an

overall trend of increased abundance.

General trends in Mission blue butterfly

distribution were consistent with previous

years.

The flight season lasted 58 days, beginning

May 4th and ending July 5th, the latest date ever recorded at Oakwood Valley.

See FINAL REPORT, 2012 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Oakwood Valley and FINAL REPORT, 2013

Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Oakwood Valley for details.

FIGURE 3-13. Oakwood Valley. Oak Rehabilitation Project. Survivorship of direct seeded coast live oak acorns.

% alive 44% % dead

56%

FIGURE 3-14. Restoration Intern Marcela Maldonado measures wind speed and temperature while monitoring Mission blue butterflies.


3.6 FUTURE PROJECTS AND RESOURCE NEEDS

This section highlights high priority projects that are not currently addressed due to limitations in

staffing or funding.

3.6.1 Funding

Annual maintenance funds for maintaining the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) are almost

expended. Follow-up maintenance on the WUI footprint costs approximately $5,000 per year.

Additional funds or increased volunteerism will be needed to continue maintaining the fuel breaks.

Another funding source of approximately $8,000 is available in service from Shelterbelt contractors.

This may be a good fit to begin working on either cotoneaster near MBB patches or to do partial

follow up on Marincello broom.

Even with these current funding projects, additional long-term funding is needed to more

thoroughly deal with the larger scale invasive species problems outlined below.

Volunteerism has decreased at Oakwood Valley, whereas invasive species control needs have

increased. The goal in the year ahead is to transition the Marin Team into Oakwood Valley and

increase volunteerism.

3.6.2 Invasive Species

Striated broom at Marincello

Continues to persist and spread along the Marincello site. The Habitat Restoration team

(HRT) manages broom above the Marincello road and Park Stewardship manages broom

below the Marincello Road.

FIGURE 3-15. Oakwood Valley. Mission blue butterfly observations per year. Overall relative abundance is not comparable to data collected prior to 2010 due to differences in monitoring methods.

87 87

197

337

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2010 2011 2012 2013

# o

f M

issi

on

blu

e b

utt

erfl

ies

FIGURE 3-16. A Mission blue butterfly takes flight while another rests on a summer lupine.


A $5,251 contract was

completed in 2010, which

treated only a small portion

of the total footprint.

This project is best

completed with contractors

who can cut and treat large

plants with herbicide.

Limited work on smaller

plants could be done with an

increase in volunteerism.

An effort to map, assess, and estimate cost of project should be conducted.

Cape ivy

There is a Cape ivy patch on the Marincello side of Oakwood Valley that Tanya Baxter and

HRT used to maintain.

We need to coordinate with HRT to ensure that the patch is treated annually.

Incipient invasives

Jubata grass, tower of jewels, and other

invasives are growing along the east-facing

slopes of Alta Avenue and may spread into

sensitive habitat if not controlled.

An effort to map, assess and control

outliers should be initiated.

Cotoneaster, French and Scotch brooms

These invasive shrubs continue to persist,

spread, and create dense thickets in key

areas within and between Mission blue

butterfly patches.

Patches should be mapped, prioritized and

slated for control.

French and Scotch broom can be removed

with a significant increase in volunteer

support.

Cotoneaster must be controlled by staff or

contractors as it will require power tools

and carefully timed herbicide applications

to be successful.

To estimate cost of cotoneaster removal,

we plan to map all cotoneaster infestations

site-wide in the spring of 2014.

FIGURE 3-18. Oakwood Valley. Incipient jubata grass invades coastal scrub on east facing slopes.

FIGURE 3-17. Oakwood Valley. Yellow broom at Marincello viewed from Alta Avenue.

FIGURE 3-19. Restoration interns Zachariah and Aaron Anderson control French broom growing adjacent to lupine marked by the white pin flags.


Eucalyptus

Large saplings continue to grow around the edges of Eucalyptus patches leading to ever-

expanding groves.

Their removal will require contractor support since trees must be felled with chainsaws.

Estimated cost $12,920.

3.6.3 Sudden Oak Death

In 2006 a large infestation of the native California oak moth swept through Oakwood Valley leaving

hundreds of oak trees defoliated. Many of these trees subsequently died.

In 2012, testing revealed that the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death had infected several coast

live oak trees at Oakwood Valley.

We suspect that the combination of Sudden Oak Death, other pathogens, and defoliation by the oak

moth caused the massive die off of oaks.

The death of oak trees has opened up light gaps throughout the oak-bay woodland canopy, leaving

oak forest vulnerable to infestations by disturbance loving invasive plants.

FIGURE 3-21. Oakwood Valley. Eucalyptus saplings in the foreground of the large eucalyptus grove and cotoneaster (red).

FIGURE 3-20. Oakwood Valley. Cotoneaster (patches of red) are invading Mission blue butterfly habitat.


A program to monitor and assess the impact of light gaps on understory composition should be

considered.

FIGURE 3-22. Oakwood Valley. Extent of oak dieback due to the California oak moth.


4. WOLFBACK RIDGE

View towards the south from Wolfback Ridge


No volunteers worked at Wolfback Ridge in 2013. The site was managed entirely by Parks

Conservancy staff and interns.

Continued removing French and Scotch broom throughout Wolfback Ridge. We still do not have

enough resources to remove all flowering broom each year.

Completed initial removal of a patch of tower of jewels just east of Waldo Tunnel.

Increased removal efforts for thoroughwort and panic veldt grass.

Planted 200 summer lupine as part of the Lupine Diversification Project.



No volunteer groups were hosted at Wolfback Ridge in 2012 or 2013. This is in part due to difficult

access, steep terrain, ticks, and plentiful poison oak.

Restoration technicians, staff, and interns conducted all work at Wolfback in 2013, funded by Park

Stewardship.

FIGURE 4-1. Wolfback Ridge. Annual comparison of work hours contributed by group type.

0

50

100

150

200

250


Wo

rk h

ou

rs

CY2006CY2007FY2008FY2009FY2010FY2011FY2012FY 2013

FIGURE 4-2. Wolfback Ridge FY 2013. Proportion of work hours by group type (n=277).


50%

Interns 45%

Staff 5%


4.3 INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROLLED

4.3.1 General Control


Tower of jewels

Finished controlling tower of jewels (Echium pininana, formerly E. candicans) from Drainage

1 manually and with herbicide. Control resulted in soil disturbance and light gaps,

conditions that favor secondary invaders like Italian thistle.

Panic veldt grass

Followed up on Ehrharta treatment that was initiated in 2008. Treatment intervals need to

increase to ensure efficacy.

Thoroughwort

Expanded thoroughwort control to Ridge 1 in 2013. Completed follow-up on efforts initiated

in 2008. Follow-up was conducted manually in order to ensure success and to limit non-

target impacts to native species. Treatment intervals likely need to increase to ensure

efficacy.

Scotch broom

Follow-up treatment of Scotch broom in Over the Tunnel, Drainage 1, and Ridge 1. Initial

work in Over the Tunnel completed by contract under Maria Alvarez prior to 2010.

Eucalyptus and Monterey pine

Removed young eucalyptus and pine in understory of mature trees and adjacent areas.

FIGURE 4-4. Wolfback Ridge. Annual comparison of area treated by species.

05,000

10,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,00040,00045,000

General Weeding Thoroughwort Panic Veltdgrass Echium

Are

a tr

eate

d (

m2 )

CY 2006CY 2007FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010FY 2011FY 2012FY 2013


French broom

Swept Drainages 1 & 2, Ridge 1, and Over the Tunnel. Hand pulled over 14,000 individuals.

We do not have enough resources to treat all flowering broom at Wolfback. Additional

funds for Restoration Technicians will be needed to complete removal.

Since 2007, French broom follow-up needs have remained fairly steady.

FIGURE 4-5. Wolfback Ridge. Annual comparison of individuals treated by species.

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

Monterey Pine Blue Gum Eucalyptus Scotch Broom

Ind

ivu

dal

s tr

eate

d


FIGURE 4-6. Wolfback Ridge. Annual comparison of French broom individuals treated.

19,500

5,620

12,510

0

5,026

8,095

14,026

5893

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

CY 2006 CY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013

Ind

ivid

ual

s tr

eate

d


4.4 REVEGETATION

Planted summer lupine (Lupinus formosus) on grassy slopes

as part of the Lupine Diversification Project funded by the

California Garden Club.

Since summer lupine is more resilient to pathogen outbreaks,

their purpose is to buffer against future fungal pathogen

attacks on silver lupine, the butterfly host plant growing there

naturally.

25 summer lupine were planted in winter 2011/2012. As of

March, 2013, 28% survived.

175 summer lupine were planted in winter 2012/ 2013. As of

March, 2013, 30% survived.

Cardboard was placed around the lupines at the time of planting to prevent competition from

invasive grasses. Cardboard was subsequently changed to black landscaping fabric to reduce its

visual impact from roadways.

See Project: Mission Blue January – August 2012 Report and Project: Mission Blue May –

December 2011 Report for details.


Mission blue butterflies at Wolfback Ridge are monitored annually by NPS natural resources

specialist Susie Bennett.

Mission blue butterflies were observed off transect in a patch of bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) in

2010.

The majority of bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) plants that were discovered to be hosting Mission

blue butterflies in 2010 were dead in 2012. We assume they succumbed to a pathogen since

uniform natural senescence of all plants within the population is unlikely.

Summer lupines were planted in the vicinity of bush lupines in the hopes that some Mission blue

butterflies may have survived and will be able to use newly planted lupines.

FIGURE 4-7. Restoration intern Cody Ender puts cardboard around a lupine she just planted.



This section highlights high priority projects that are not adequately addressed due to limitations in


4.6.1 Invasive Species Control

Scotch and French broom

We have been controlling Scotch and French broom for years but are still not able to control

all flowering plants each year.

One limiting factor is access. We should clear a wide path so that volunteers can access the

site without contacting poison oak. Also, we should provide a way of crossing the drainage

that keeps volunteers safe and dry.

Some of the broom in open grasslands could be tackled with these improvements and

volunteer support from the Marin and Volunteer Teams.

Most of the broom is within poison oak and tick- heavy scrub and should be reserved for

contractors, staff, or restoration technicians. Park Stewardship currently spends $5,000 on

restoration technician support a year, but this is not enough to control all flowering broom

each year.

Blackwood acacia

The grove of acacia trees continues to spread.

We will need contract funds to remove or control it since it requires chainsaws and herbicide.

FIGURE 4-8. Wolfback Ridge. Acacia grove spreading.


Blue gum eucalyptus

The remaining eucalyptus trees are greater than 8 inches dbh and will therefore require a

contract for removal.

Panic veldt grass

Panic veldt grass is spreading in mixed scrub in the Over the Tunnel subsite. We have not

initiated control here as we are still trying to get a handle on controlling it where it grows in

more easily managed monotypic stands.

We are not certain that it should be a priority.

4.6.2 Revegetation

Summer lupine

Additional experimentation with growing and planting summer lupine should be conducted.


5. MILAGRA RIDGE

Coastal view from atop Milagra Ridge


Volunteers tend primarily to Scotch broom, pines, and ox-eye daisy work.

Other invasive species work, and monitoring and experimentation, is conducted by Parks

Conservancy staff.

Completed initial removal of a patch of tower of jewels.

Continued efforts to eradicate patches of Cape ivy.

Controlled 5.25 acres of jubata grass at Lower Milagra Ridge.

Controlled more than 5 acres of French broom at Lower Milagra Ridge.

Experimented on control of ox-eye daisy, Bermuda buttercup, and tower of jewels.

Planted 136 varied colored lupine in winter 2011/2012.

Planted 248 lupines in 2012/2013.

Discovered that mechanical treatments result in greater number of lupine seedlings than burn or

control treatments, but also reduce native plant cover more.

Monitored Mission blue butterflies, San Bruno elfin butterflies, and California red-legged frogs.



Volunteerism has decreased overall at Milagra Ridge while staff and intern time has held fairly

constant.

This year, contractors contributed 34% of labor to Milagra Ridge due to funds from the Connemara

Development Project at Lower Milagra Ridge.

FIGURE 5.1. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of work hours by group type.

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200


Wo

rk h

ou

rs

CY 2006CY 2007FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010FY 2011FY2012FY 2013

FIGURE 5-2. Milagra Ridge FY 2013. Proportion work hours by group type (n=793).

Contractors 34%


1%

Interns 21%

Staff 7%

School Program

13%

Special Groups

1%

Volunteer Program

17%


6%





Scotch broom

Continued weed wrenching Scotch broom around the Water District Fenced Area, the Rock

Ridge Garden, the Northwest Prairie, and the Southeast Prairie. In most areas, broom is

reduced to resprouts and immature plants.

Mature broom stands remain in Southeast Prairie area between Eucalyptus grove and Pond

where very large plants grow in scrub with poison oak making removal by volunteers

difficult.

Cut/stump treatment or hand removal by restoration technicians or the Restoration team

may be necessary.

Ox-eye daisy

Controlled ox-eye daisy in Nike Basin and

found and controlled two satellite

populations in Southeast Prairie.

Despite experimental evidence that ox-eye

daisy control can be successful when done

diligently, the number of bags of ox-eye

daisy removed at Milagra Ridge are not

declining.

Control efforts in 2012 and 2013 were

intensive since it was part of the weekly

duties of the Mission blue butterfly monitor.

FIGURE 5-3. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of Scotch broom individuals removed.

Milagra

22042

10810

2877

802

10183

7940

903

3705

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

CY 2006 CY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY 2013

Ind

ivid

ual

s tr

eate

d

FIGURE 5-4. Ox-eye daisy basal leaves.


In 2011 & 2012 we mulched areas where removal was conducted in response to

experimental treatments. A layer of thicker mulch could be applied in future years..

Cape ivy

Maintained containment line in patches 1001/3 and 1005. Patches

1001/3 and 1005 are too large, steep, and erosive to initiate control.

These patches are being contained over the long-term.

Conducted follow-up work in patches 1014, 1013, and 1035, and

partial follow-up in 1004. Patches 1014, 1013 and 1035 are under

control and require only regular follow up. Patch 1004 requires more

intensive efforts to gain control.

Removed disturbance-loving weeds from patches including mustard and poison hemlock.

Poison hemlock is becoming a problem in areas of 1004 that were formerly Cape ivy piles or

that were treated with herbicide.

FIGURE 5-5. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of the number of bags of ox-eye daisy removed.

22

12

15

7

14 12.5

9 10

0

5

10

15

20

25


# o

f b

ags

rem

ove

d

FIGURE 5-6. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of Cape ivy resprouts removed.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

DEOD 1013 DEOD 1014 DEOD 1004 DEOD 1035

# if

Cap

e iv

y re

spro

uts

20092010201120122013

Gray bars indicate control that was too extensive to be quantified


Monterey pine

Conducted roving removal in the Southeast Prairies and Rock Ridge Garden. Work is

ongoing.

Restoration interns cut larger pines in poison oak in 2013.

Front gate area

This area continues to be infested by mustards and thistles. It is largely denuded and

disturbed by road clearing and trail maintenance efforts. We suggest mulching and

scattering seed or planting low growing cover. Plants were requested for next planting year

to outcompete invasives.

Bellardia

Continued removal in Nike Basin in 2012. Bellardia was not highly productive at Milagra

Ridge in 2008 and 2009 and 2013; since it was not found in the Nike Site these years it was

not removed.

We are not sure what factors contribute to annual abundance of Bellardia.

Jubata grass

Removed scattered jubata grass from the Northwest Prairie, Southeast Prairie and Rock

Ridge Garden.

Conducted initial removal in Lower Milagra Ridge (see below).

Tower of jewels

Conducted hand removal of Echium pininana in upper part of Patches 1, 2, and 4. The lower

part of Patch 1 has a lot of poison oak making removal dangerous for volunteers.

Eucalyptus

Contained grove for first time since 2009 by controlling saplings along perimeter.

FIGURE 5-7. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of Monterey pine trees removed.

2540 2540

5430

3790

738

4201

30

1505

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000


Ind

ivid

ual

s tr

eate

d


5.3.2 Lower Milagra Ridge Invasive Species Control

As mitigation for the Connemara

housing development, 36 acres of

natural open space lands were

dedicated to the National Park Service

for the preservation, restoration, and

management of habitat for the federally

endangered species.

Approximately $75,000 was donated to

support these efforts.

We created an interim management

plan for invasive species control that was

approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and targets three

priority invasives 1) invasive trees 2) French broom 3) jubata

grass.

Initial work is planned for FY 2014.

See Interim Management Plan for Invasive Species Control,

Connemara Conservation Easement Dedication and

Development Project for details.

5.3.2.1 Jubata grass in Lower Milagra Ridge

5.25 acres of jubata grass treated at Lower Milagra Ridge.

Contracted to Shelterbelt Builders for a cost of $3,447.85.

FIGURE 5-8. Milagra Ridge. Annual comparison of individuals treated by species.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Tower of Jewels Jubata Grass New Zealand TeaTree

Cotoneaster Monterey Cypress Blue GumEucalyptus

Ind

ivid

ual

s tr

eate

d

CY 2006CY 2007FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010FY2011FY2012FY 2013

FIGURE 5-10. Jubata grass grows rampant at Lower Milagra Ridge.

FIGURE 5-9. The Connemara housing development at Lower Milagra Ridge.


5.3.2.2 French broom in Lower Milagra Ridge

Removed 14,900 French broom over 5 acres.

Contracted to Go Native for a cost of $ 12,741.

5.3.3 Experiments

5.3.3.1 Ox-eye daisy control

Mulching in 2010 accelerated the reduction in seedlings after the first year, but all treatments seem

to have similar levels of success in the long run, in this case, after 5 years. With diligent follow up,

ox-eye daisy is greatly reduced, but not eradicated from any of these plots after five years of

treatment. This underscores the importance of long-term follow up.

FIGURE 5-12. Before (left) and after (right) of French broom removal at Lower Milagra Ridge.

FIGURE 5-11. Before (left) and after (right) of jubata grass treatment at Lower Milagra Ridge.


We also assessed efficacy of different treatments. Although herbicide appears most efficient, the

time needed for herbicide prep and clean up reduces the time actually spent removing and treating

ox-eye daisy. Therefore, hand removal is the most straightforward method to remove ox-eye daisy

while offering similar levels of success.

TABLE 1. Summary of work hours contributed to remove ox-eye daisy from test plots. Area/hour/individual is based on the

combined area of test plots per treatment. For example, there are four 2mX2m herbicide treatment plots which equate to 16

m2, and three hand removal plots.

Treatment Total # of hours Total # of individuals hours/individual area /hr/individual

Herbicide – staff/interns 53 36 1.47 10.87 m2

Hand removal – staff/interns 57 35 1.63 7.37 m2

Hand removal - volunteers 315 90 3.50 3.43 m2

See Milagra Ridge Test Plots for Ox-eye Daisy Removal for more information.

5.3.3.2 Bermuda buttercup control

We compared the percent cover of Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae) before and after two or

three years of treatment. Scraping and herbiciding offered the greatest reduction in cover, while

flaming did little to reduce cover. However, both scraping and herbiciding damage native plants and

are not viable means of controlling oxalis within a matrix of native scrub. Further after three years

of treatment, there is still significant cover.

FIGURE 5-13. Milagra Ridge. Results from the ox-eye daisy control experiment.

120

20

60 72

20

52

34

127

27

57

82

12

39

4 12

66

30

7 5 4 14

2

19

1 4 4 2 4

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Hand Removal Hand Removal Hand Removal 2% RoundupPro; 1.5%

Aquamaster in2011

2% RoundupPro; 1.5%

Aquamaster in2011

50% RoundupPro; 1.5%

Aquamaster in2011

50% RoundupPro; 1.5%

Aquamaster in2011

Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 - Mulchin 2010

Plot 4 Plot 5 - Mulchin 2010

Plot 6 - Mulchin 2010

Plot 7

# o

f in

div

idu

als

rem

ove

d

2008 2010 2011 2012 2013


We refrained from any treatment for a year and a half and measured the percent cover of oxalis

again. We found that oxalis readily recolonized non treated areas, further making this type of

control undesirable.

Unless we can use different chemical treatments on oxalis, we have no plans to initiate control at

Milagra.

See Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae) Control Study at Milagra Ridge for details

5.3.3.3 Tower of jewels

Tested two treatments on Echium pininana 1) Foliar treatment with 1.5% Aquamaster and 2) cutting

at the base with no herbicide. Found that foliar treatment was 100% effective and cutting at the

base was 75% effective.

FIGURE 5-14. Milagra Ridge. Percent cover of oxalis.

78

28

63

41

58 54

77

64

42 34 34

30

0

20

40

60

80

100

Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After

Roundup Pro 2% Scraping Flaming Control Roundup Pro 1%* Roundup Pro0.5%*

After one year and three months After two years

Pe

rce

nt

cove

r

FIGURE 5-15. Milagra Ridge. Percent cover of woody natives.

10 17

0

12

0 12

17 17

36

9

38

10

0

20

40

60

80

100

Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After

Roundup Pro 2% Scraping Flaming Control Roundup Pro 1%* Roundup Pro0.5%*

After one year and three months After two years

Pe

rce

nt

cove

r


Since we must return annually to scout and remove

seedlings, we can conduct follow up on the 25 % that

resprouts fairly easily.

We propose simply cutting the plants because it

involves less time in set up and clean up, can be done

without time restrictions, is more comfortable for the

worker due to the reduced need for PPE and does not

use chemicals.

However, foliar treatment may be beneficial when

plants are in thick poison oak and access to their bases

is difficult for the worker.

5.3.3.4 Velvet grass

We installed two plots to test the effectiveness of

hand removal in controlling H. lanatus at Milagra

Ridge, with the goal of informing best management

practices at this particular site. Hand removal was

tested because it is the most approachable

method, a factor that is especially important given

that PSP frequently works with of volunteers.

Results are pending.

See Test Plots for Purple Velvet Grass (Holcus lanatus) Removal for details.

5.4 REVEGETATION

5.4.1 Lupine Diversification Project

Planted varied color lupine and summer lupine as part of

the Lupine Diversification Project funded by the California

Garden Club. The purpose is to buffer against future

fungal pathogen attacks on silver lupine, the butterfly

host plant growing there naturally.

We planted 136 varied colored lupine (Lupinus variicolor)

in winter 2011/2012. As of March, 2013, only 10%

survived.

We planted 248 lupine in 2012/2013. As of March, 2013,

77% survived.

Varied lupine was collected from the Northwest Prairie.

FIGURE 5-16. Restoration intern Zachariah Jefferson removes tower of jewels.

FIGURE 5-18. A planted Lupinus variicolor.

FIGURE 5-17. A meter by meter quadrat was used to conduct point-intercept vegetation surveys of each test plot.


See Project: Mission Blue January – August 2012 Report and Project: Mission Blue January – May –

December 2011 Report for details.

5.4.2 Mission Blue Butterfly Habitat Disturbance Project

NPS Park Vegetation Ecologist Alison Forrestel analyzed data collected in 2011 from lupine

disturbance plots and found that mechanical treatment (brushcutting and scraping) seemed to

result in increased numbers of germinating lupine seedlings.

However, mechanical treatments were also associated with the greatest increases in non-native

grasses and the greatest decreases in native plant cover.

We have not yet decided what management actions to take based on the results of the study.

FIGURE 5-19. Milagra Ridge. Results from the Mission blue butterfly habitat disturbance project.

5.5 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES

5.5.1 Special-Status Species Protection

5.5.1.1 California red-legged frog – cattail and tule

removal

Documented a significant expansion of tule and cattail

between 2012 and 2013. Prior to 2011, the footprint

had been constant for many years.

Cut tule and cattail back to its 2011 footprint.

0

10

20

30

40

50

Control Burn Mech

# o

f im

mat

ure

lup

ine

Marin

Milagra

-0.3

-0.2

-0.1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

chan

ge in

re

lati

ve c

ove

r ControlBurnMechanical

native grasses

native shrubs

native forbs

non-native forbs

non-native grasses

FIGURE 5-20. Tule and cattail were cut back.



5.5.2.1 California red-legged frog monitoring

Monitored California Red-legged frog egg masses at the

oxidation pond. Found 20 egg masses in 2013.

5.5.2.2 Mission blue butterfly monitoring

2012 was the poorest year on record for Mission blues at

Milagra Ridge.

Only two Mission blue butterflies were recorded on

transect, marking the lowest relative abundance ever

documented.

Only two transects supported Mission blue butterflies,

marking the narrowest distribution ever documented.

Only two surveys detected Mission blue butterflies,

marking the second shortest flight season ever

documented.

2013 was better, but still poor overall.

Eight Mission blues were recorded on transect.

Three transects supported Mission blues.

The flight season only lasted four weeks.

See 2012 Mission Blue Butterfly Monitoring Report – Milagra Ridge and 2013 Mission Blue

Butterfly Monitoring Report – Milagra Ridge for details.

FIGURE 5-22. Milagra Ridge. Number of California red-legged frog egg masses observed each monitoring season.

27

81

53

40

39 31

35

61

12

68

51

43

20

0

20

40

60

80

100

2000/2001 2002/2003 2004/2005 2006/2007 2008/2009 2010/2011 2012/2013

# o

f C

RLF

egg

mas

ses

FIGURE 5-23. Volunteer Diane Darling monitors Mission blue butterflies.

FIGURE 5-21. A California red-legged frog egg mass.


5.5.2.3 Mission blue butterfly egg monitoring

In 2010 a study to investigate the effects of different disturbance regimes on lupine host plant

recruitment was undertaken in part at Milagra Ridge.

The burn treatment subplots supported the highest number of Missionblue eggs, followed by

mechanical treatment, then control suggesting that both disturbance regimes positively influenced

butterfly oviposition.

Mission blue butterfly eggs were detected in three out of four plots. In contrast, adult butterflies

were only detected in one of these plots.

See Final Report, 2013 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge for details.

FIGURE 5-24. Milagra Ridge. Number of Mission blue butterfly observations per year.

20

46

57

46

3 3

30

22

11

28

13 12 14

21 23

5 3 2 7

2

8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60#

of

Mis

sio

n b

lue

bu

tte

rflie

s # MBB Observations (Transects 1-13.5)

# MBB Observations (including Transects A, B, C)

FIGURE 5-25. Milagra Ridge. Number of Mission blue butterfly egg observations per year.

12

5 4

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Burn Control Mechanical

# o

f M

BB

egg

s


5.5.2.4 Lupine pathogen monitoring

We quantified the extent that a fungal pathogen, Colletotrichum lupini, adversely affected plants in

the Quarry subsite over time.

The majority of plants are affected each year; however, extent of impact per plant has been

significantly reduced in 2013 (5%) since it was first detected in 2010 (50%).

See Final Report, 2013 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge and Literature review for

Colletotrichum lupini for details.

5.5.2.5 San Bruno elfin butterfly monitoring

Numbers of San Bruno elfin butterflies decreased slightly in

2012 but continue an overall trend of increase.

Many environmental parameters were tested to determine a

relationship with butterfly abundance but none had a

significant relationship.

See Final Report, 2012 San Bruno Elfin Butterfly Survey,

Milagra Ridge and Final Report, 2013 San Bruno Elfin

Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge for details

FIGURE 5-26. Milagra Ridge. Percent of lupine leaf dieback as a result of fungal pathogen.

92.46%

80% 84.52%

69%

50%

25% 25%

5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2010 2011 2012 2013

% d

ieb

ack

% Dieback in Patch % Leaf Dieback per Plant

FIGURE 5-27. San Bruno elfin larva.



This section highlights projects that are high priority but are currently not adequately addressed due

to limitations in staffing or funding.

5.6.1 Invasive Species Control

Tower of jewels

Tower of jewels (Echium pininana) is spreading on west-facing slopes.

Large-scale tower of jewel control should be conducted by contractors or restoration

technician since they grow on steep slopes within poison oak.

FIGURE 5-28. Milagra Ridge. Number of San Bruno elfin larvae observed each year.

8

4

24

23

9 10

1

12

60

28

35

1.5

1.5

12.0

7.7

9.0

5.0

1.0 1.5

6.7

4.0

2.9

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 **2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

# of SB

E larvae/su

rvey

# o

f SB

E la

rvae

# OF LARVAE # OF LARVAE / SURVEY

FIGURE 5-29. Milagra Ridge. The tall flower stalks of tower of jewels show that it is spreading fast on west-facing slopes.


Bermuda buttercup

Bermuda buttercup is spreading and outcompeting native seedlings resulting in mature

bushes with an understory of nothing but oxalis.

In spite of testing different control methods, we have not determined an effective control

method that does not harm native plant communities.

Velvet grass

Velvet grass is spreading throughout the site.

Volunteers may be able to control it in satellite populations but an increase in volunteerism

is needed in order to do so.

Poison hemlock

Poison hemlock is spreading within the gullies along north facing slopes and will require a

significant long-term investment of control and revegetation to rehabilitate.

Cape ivy

Several Cape ivy patches have been historically mapped but have not been re-located in

current times.

Efforts should focus on finding these and determining whether control or containment is

appropriate.

5.6.2 Skyridge Mitigation Parcel

The adjacent parcel Skyridge has many incipient and established invasives that are spreading

and could spread into Milagra Ridge proper. These include jubata grass and echium.

The Home Owners Association (HOA) ceased paying annual mitigation funds many years ago

and so management has stopped in this area.

The park should pursue acquiring these funds so that management can continue in this area.


6. MORI POINT

Wildflowers at the Point


Maintained our investment in revegetated areas by removing disturbance-loving weeds from all our

planting footprints.

Controlled high priority invasive species across Mori Point (Cape ivy, and cotoneaster, French

broom, Italian buckthorn).

Planted 8,298 plants and field divisions of 21 species to fill-in previously planted areas in 2012

Planted 3,224 plants of 15 species were planted to fill-in previously planted areas in 2013.

Continued experimenting with methods to control Cape ivy resprouts.

Demonstrated success in reinvigorating coastal bluff wildflower populations at the Point through a

direct seeding experiment.

Concluded that the Mori Point trail system effectively protects sensitive species while allowing

visitors to enjoy the park via a Visitor Use Study.

Monitored California red-legged frog breeding success at the Mori Point ponds.

Mapped Italian buckthorn and Cape ivy populations.

Analyzed revegetation survivorship and revegetation community composition.

Contracted Go Native to construct a sensitive habitat protection fence along the Pollywog Path to

protect San Francisco garter snake and California red-legged frog from off trail use.



With the conclusion of Phase 1 of the Mori Point Restoration and Trail Plan and associated grant

funding, the amount of time Park Stewardship spends at Mori Point continues to decrease.

2012 marked the last year for grant-funded restoration technicians, who contributed nearly half of

all work hours at Mori Point (42%). Another 41% was contributed by volunteers. Youth interns

spent the least amount of time working at Mori Point.

FIGURE 6-2. Mori Point. Annual comparison of work hours by group.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000


Wo

rk h

ou

rs

CY 2006CY 2007

FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010

FY 2011FY2012FY 2013

FIGURE 6-3. Mori Point FY 2013. Proportion of work hours contributed by group (n=1,966).

Contractors 1% Restoration

Technicians 13%

Interns 22%

Staff 8%

Special Groups

16%

School Program

23%

Volunteer Program

13%


4%





General weeding in revegetation areas

Much of our time at Mori Point is spent maintaining our investment in revegetation areas.

After the construction and decommissioning of trails, building of ponds, and several large-

scale invasive species removal projects, disturbed areas were revegetated. We continue to

work with volunteers and staff to control disturbance-loving weeds from these areas. As

planting areas increase annually, so does our general weeding footprint

We expect the general weeding area to continue to decrease over time as native plantings

grow and outcompetes weeds.

Decommissioned trails in Bowl

Bristly ox tongue, thistle, fennel, and poison hemlock were treated in the decommissioned

trails in the bowl.

Invasive grasses

Pulled or cut along the Pollywog Path prior to the 4th of July in order to reduce fire risk to

neighbors.

Periwinkle

Control not needed this year, indicating that repeated herbicide treatment in previous years

has finally resulted in control.

FIGURE 6-4. Mori Point. General weeding area trend over 6 years.

0

11,265

49,781

56,679

66,387

43,265

35659

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

CY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013

Are

a tr

eate

d (

m2 )


French broom

Removal was initially conducted via foliar spray with Shelterbelt builders in 2006. After

approximately 3 years of follow-up spraying, the site has become dominated by teasel,

poison hemlock and French broom seedlings.

In 2013, broom plants were removed by hand to avoid non target impacts and give natives a

chance to grow.

Most broom grows in poison oak areas but some grows on slopes and could be tackled by

hardy volunteers.

Teasel

A dense stand in the Bowl has been successfully converted to native scrub and little follow

up is needed.

Cotoneaster

In 2013, an intensive treatment of germinated seedlings was initiated within all Cotoneaster

control areas. Seedlings were too numerous to quantify but we covered 26,293 square

meters.

Italian buckthorn

Based on 2012 mapping efforts, invasive Italian buckthorn trees were removed by Go Native

in 2013. Project cost $ 420.

Jubata grass

We hand removed 50 large jubata grass on the Bluffs and followed up on all other areas.

FIGURE 6-5. Mori Point. Area of species removed.

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

Bristly OxTongue

FieldMustard

Teasel Cape Ivy ItalianThistle

InvasiveGrass

PoisonHemlock

Periwinkle FrenchBroom

Are

a tr

eate

d (

m2 )

CY 2006

CY 2007

FY 2008

FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013


Incipient invasives

Early detection and rapid response efforts have been successful; we did not find any

Echinochloa crus-gallii, Anthema cotula, Leucanthemum vulgare , or Centauria calcitrapa in

2013.

Tall fescue - we found and treated an incipient patch of Festuca arundinacea.

Garland daisy (Chrysanthemum coronarium) was also found and treated in the bowl this

year. It seems to be spreading and should be watched carefully.

Yellow flag iris was removed for the first time in 2013 just south of the southern pond in

areas that used to contain standing water.

Trifolium angulstifolium. We did not treat this in 2013 but should watch for it across from

the bulletin board.

Cape ivy

We continued to pull resprouts in each of the Cape ivy patches that received initial

treatment in 2010. We visit patches three to five times per year to flag and remove

resprouts. After 3 years, resprouts have markedly decreased, but follow up is needed until

several years have passed with no documented resprouts.

We tracked efficacy of Cape ivy resprouts control in two patches at Mori Point that were

initially treated (cutting all vegetation, raking, and tarping all plant material) in March 2011.

Results are similar with a 95 to 100 % decrease in resprouts in Year 3 for either treatment.

FIGURE 6-6. Mori Point. Individual species treated.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

Cotoneaster Monterey Pine Monterey Cypress Jubata Grass

Ind

ivid

ual

s tr

eate

d



6.3.2 Invasive Species Mapping

Italian buckthorn was mapped throughout Mori Point in 2012.

Cape ivy locations were mapped in conjunction with San Francisco State University. The mapping

will be used to determine Cape ivy control areas and locations of containment lines for a long-term

Cape ivy management strategy.

See Mapping species distribution of Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) in Mori Point National Recreation

Area: Implications for resource management and conservation planning for details.

FIGURE 6-7. Mori Point. Individual Cape ivy resprouts over time. Cape ivy resprouts are decreasing.

338

225

542

303

63

235

54 7 10

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

East Peak Bowl West Bowl

# o

f C

ape

ivy

resp

rou

ts

Total FY 2011

Total FY 2012

Total FY 2013

FIGURE 6-8. Mori Point. In Year 3, the number of Cape ivy resprouts decreased by 95-100 percent depending on patch and treatment.

97 % 96%

95%

100%

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Manual Herbicide Manual Herbicide

Bowl Patch West Bowl Patch

# o

f C

ape

ivy

resp

rou

ts

2011

2012

2013


6.4 REVEGETATION

6.4.1 Revegetation in Winters 2011/2012 & 2012/2013

2011/2013

8,298 plants and field divisions of 21 species were planted to fill-in previously planted areas

at Mori Point. All plants were grown at Oceana Native Plant Nursery.

2012/2013

3,224 plants of 15 species were planted to fill-in previously planted areas at Mori Point. All

plants were grown at Oceana Native Plant Nursery.

6.4.2 Revegetation Survivorship Monitoring

Median survivorship of all planted areas site- wide was 74%.

See Mori Point Restoration and Trail Plan Revegetation Report 2007-2012 for a detailed summary

of all revegetation efforts to date.

6.4.3 Revegetation Community Monitoring

We worked with San Francisco State University (SFSU) to assess

the success of revegetation efforts. We established transects

in reference and revegetation areas over five vegetation

communities.

SFSU students found that there was no significant difference

between broad categories of vegetative cover between

reference and revegetation areas in four of five plant

FIGURE 6-9. Mori Point. Survivorship of plants per planting area.

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Ben

ches

Bo

wl

Mid

dle

Po

nd

*

No

rth

ern

Po

nd

**

Po

int*

*

Sou

th B

ow

l**

Sou

ther

n P

on

d

Up

per

Slo

pe*

**

Wes

t B

ow

l

Wet

lan

d

% S

urv

ivo

rsh

ip

2008-2009 2009-2010

FIGURE 6-10. Restoration interns and SFSU students monitor vegetation transects.


communities. One revegetated community was significantly more native than its reference

transect.

We conclude that revegetation efforts at Mori Point exceeded goals.

See Restoration Success at Mori Point for details.

6.4.4 Coastal Bluff Direct Seeding Plots

Direct seeding plots were established in three areas at the Point in 2012. The soil was decompacted

in all plots. Half of each plot was seeded with coastal bluff species and half was left unseeded to see

if decompaction alone would stimulate a native seed bank.

An early bloom of goldfields and tidy tips, followed by a later bloom of farewell to spring, appeared

in the seeded plots. Non-seeded, but decompacted plots contained mostly weeds.

Based on our success in 2012, we expanded each plot in 2013.

See Memorandum: Mori Point – Direct Seeding the Point & Memorandum, 2013 Mori Point Direct

Seeding for details.

FIGURE 6-11. Mori Point. Decompacted but unseeded (left) and decompacted and seeded (right) plots.

FIGURE 6-12. Mori Point. 2012 and 2013 direct seeding plots.


6.5 VISITOR USE

We conducted a post-implementation visitor use

survey at Mori Point.

The study tracked visitor use on specific trail segments

and assessed use of amenities such as benches and

signage.

We concluded that the new trail system is effective in

reducing off-trail impacts to sensitive habitats while

providing a range of visitor use activities.

Three additional popular trails are in need of

enhancement to protect the integrity of the immediate

surroundings and accommodate visitor use

preferences.

See Mori Point Post-Implementation Visitor Use Report, Assessing the effectiveness of the

new Mori Point trail system in reducing off -trail effects to sensitive habitats for details

FIGURE 6-14. Mori Point. 2012 visitor use summary map.

FIGURE 6-13. Dog walking is a popular activity at Mori Point.



6.6.1 Special Status Species Protection

6.6.1.1 Pollywog Path fence

We installed a split redwood fence to protect the San

Francisco garter snakes, the California red-legged

frog, and their habitats from off-trail use. The fence

was installed adjacent to the Pollywog Path via a

contract with Go Native. The bottom of the fence was

left open to facilitate wildlife movement per NPS

specifications.

Park users provided overwhelmingly positive

feedback.

6.6.1.2 Outreach on domestic cats

Park Stewardship staff photo documented and

recorded the location and activity of domestic cats

seen at Mori Point between October 2011 and

December 2012.

We worked with NPS natural resources staff to draft a

brochure and outreach strategy to provide education

to the residents of the Fairway neighborhood about

the impacts of domestic cats on wildlife.

The final strategy will be implemented by NPS

personnel.

FIGURE 6-16. Feedback towards to Pollywog Fence was positive.

Positive 86%

Negative 2%

Neutral 12%

FIGURE 6-17. A domestic cat stalks prey in a planting area at Mori Point.

FIGURE 6-15. The Pollywog Fence.


We also worked with a student from San Francisco State to conduct a study on the impact of

domestic cats at Mori Point.

See Effects of Feral and Domestic Cats at Mori Point for details.

FIGURE 6-18. Mori Point. 2012 map of cat observations.

6.6.1.3 Tule & cattail management in ponds

We strive to maintain a variety of habitat

types to balance competing management

needs and to provide more diverse

habitat for the California red-legged frog

and San Francisco garter snake. Tule and

cattails provide good substrate for egg

mass attachment, but also have an

aggressive growth habit with the

potential to take over open water habitat

and fill in the ponds, thereby harming

special-status species in the long-term.

We manage tule and cattails by

maintaining a cover of less than 50% in

order to maintain a mosaic of open water and emergent vegetation in the Willow and Northern

ponds. Tule and cattails rapidly expanded between 2012 and 2013.

FIGURE 6-19. Tule and cattail removal at the Northern pond at Mori Point.


We aggressively remove them from the Middle and Southern ponds.


6.2.2.1 California red-legged frog

Egg mass monitoring

We monitor California red-

legged frog egg masses each

winter in coordination with

NPS natural resource staff.

In the winter of 2012/13

California red-legged frog egg

masses were slightly less

numerous than in the past two

years, but still demonstrate an

overall increasing trend since

pond construction. This winter

was also particularly dry which

may contribute to the decline

in egg mass numbers.

The larger Wetland and Southern ponds continue to support the greatest number of

California red-legged frog egg masses.

See Final Report, 2013 California red-legged frog survey, Mori Point for details.

FIGURE 6-21. Mori Point. Summary of egg masses observed per monitoring season.

3 12 3

23

35 28

128 130

113

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

# o

f C

RLF

egg

mas

ses

FIGURE 6-20. Monitoring for California red-legged frog egg masses.


Radio tracking

NPS Aquatic biologist Darren Fong

spearheaded a radio tracking study in the

spring of 2012 to determine where

California red-legged frogs go during non-

breeding season.

Interestingly, the frogs at Mori Point mostly

went nowhere, at least during the

monitoring timeframe.

Only one frog ventured over Mori Ridge to

the south to spend its time on the banks of

Calera Creek. The other frogs not only

remained in the ponds at Mori Point, but

they exhibited high site fidelity to specific

ponds and did not move much between ponds.

Park Stewardship has observed that the frogs generally stay at the ponds through the

summer and are usually absent from Mori Point just before the rainy season in the late fall.

The results of the telemetry study are consistent with our observations.

6.6.2.2 San Francisco garter snake

Observational surveys

NPS aquatic biologist Darren Fong initiated

observational surveys for San Francisco

garter snakes in 2013.

Six snakes were observed during seven

surveys.

Incidental sightings

FIGURE 6-22. Mori Point. Summary of egg masses observed per monitoring season at each pond.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

# o

f C

RLF

egg

mas

ses

Willow Pond (LS05)

Middle Pond (LS06)

Southern Pond (LS07)

Wetland Pond (LS08)

FIGURE 6-23. Restoration Manager, Christina Crooker, uses an antenna to locate radio collared frogs

FIGURE 6-24. NPS biologists Darren Fong and Susie Bennett measure a San Francisco garter snake.


Park Stewardship recorded incidental observations:

Three San Francisco garter snakes were observed in 2012.

Two San Francisco garter snakes were observed in 2013.


This section highlights high priority projects that are not adequately addressed due to limitations in


6.7.1 Funding

Annual maintenance monies that funded restoration technicians, nursery work, and contract

projects were exhausted in July 2012. While volunteers support a portion of weed control, many

projects require more technical expertise for completion. This presents a challenge to continuing

weed control and revegetation maintenance at Mori Point.

6.7.2 Trails

Three trail segments were identified as being important in the Visitor Use Study and are detailed

below.

6.7.2.1 Bluff trail

This is one of the most popular yet least safe

trails at Mori Point. Funds should be secured

to develop an alternative trail that provides

the same coastal views and is safe and

structurally sound. Realignment of this trail

has already been analyzed and funds should

be sought for implementation.

6.7.2.2 Headlands trail

This trail along the Point is popular among all

FIGURE 6-26. The Bluff Trail along the coastline is among the most popular yet least safe trail at Mori Point.

FIGURE 6-25. Mori Point. San Francisco garter snake.


user groups including off-leash dog walkers.

The Point is also the most visited destination

spot at Mori Point. Although degraded and

compacted due to prior mining operations

and motorcycle racing, it houses the

spectacular wildflower displays that make

Mori Point beloved by so many. Long-time

visitors regularly express concern about a

decrease in wildflowers at the Point. With an

increase in overall visitation to Mori Point due

to trail and habitat improvements, the Point

is subject to more trampling than ever before.

It will be prudent to establish a trail system

that guides visitor use along one main trail rather than along several social trails, and attempt to

revegetate barren areas with native wildflowers. Experimental plots to revegetate this area have

been successful, increasing the viability of limiting visitor access while restoring barren areas.

6.7.2.3 Southern access routes

Three trails currently provide access to Mori Point from private lands to the south. The most

popular of these was the connector trail between the Coastal Trail and Calera Creek. Careful

consideration of access points and the popularity of these points should be undertaken when the

next phase of trail construction is initiated.

6.7.2.4 Upper Mori trailhead

The main entrance to Mori Point is the access

point to the Upper Mori Trail. This study

showed that this trailhead is poorly used. The

trailhead and the trail should be upgraded to

make the entryway more desirable. Habitat

traversed by the Upper Mori Trail is also in need

of restoration.

6.7.3 Revegetation

A revegetation strategy for coastal bluff

wildflowers should be drafted in conjunction

with a trail plan. The vegetation strategy should draw from the results of the direct seeding

experiments already conducted at Mori Point.

FIGURE 6-27. The Headlands trail leads to the Point, a popular destination spot given the ocean view and wildflower displays.

FIGURE 6-28. Main entrance to Mori Point from the access point at the Upper Mori Trail.


6.7.4 Outreach

A strategy to educate the neighboring public about the risks of having domestic cats in the park

should be initiated.

6.7.5 Invasive Species

A management plan for Cape ivy should be developed that identifies the location of containment

lines and eradication areas.

Fennel should be targeted throughout Mori Point, especially along the Timigtac trail.


7. SUMMARY

San Bruno elfin larva at Milagra Ridge

The Park Stewardship Program has collectively made great strides in rehabilitating key landscapes and

working to restore populations of sensitive species that depend on the park’s natural communities.

Our work spans invasive species control, sensitive species monitoring and recovery, revegetation, field

experiments, trail construction and maintenance, long-term habitat and project monitoring, mapping,

and data management.

Although volunteerism continues to be one key element in restoring and maintaining these restoration

sites, many restoration actions are either too technical, too large, or are in environments too challenging

for community volunteers.

As such, a healthy level of ongoing base funding for restoration technicians and experienced

contractors is critical to ensure long-term protection of these important parklands.

Our goal in the year ahead is to prioritize these critical restoration actions (that are not volunteer

friendly) and begin the process of acquiring funding and resources to ensure that currently unmet needs

can be addressed in the years to come.


APPENDIX 1. Invasive Vegetation Removal Comparison Maps

2006-2013

Oakwood Valley (p. 61 – 98)

Wolfback Ridge (p. 99 – 107)

Milagra Ridge (p. 108 - 136)

Mori Point (p. 137 -


Appendix 2: Reports Referenced in this Document

Oakwood Valley Restoration Project Progress Report 2012

Oakwood Valley Restoration Report Phase 2 Progress Report 2013

Oak Coyote brush survivorship with different mulching methods at EUGL 6, Oakwood Valley

Coyote brush survivorship with different mulching methods at Pacheco subsite, Oakwood Valley

Survivorship of Quercus agrifolia, Oak Rehabilitation Project and Oakwood Valley Restoration

Project Progress Report 2012

FINAL REPORT, 2012 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Oakwood Valley

FINAL REPORT, 2013 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Oakwood Valley

Project: Mission Blue January – August 2012 Report

Project: Mission Blue May – December 2011 Report

Interim Management Plan for Invasive Species Control, Connemara Conservation Easement

Dedication and Development Project

Milagra Ridge Test Plots for Ox-eye Daisy Removal

Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae) Control Study at Milagra Ridge

See Test Plots for Purple Velvet Grass (Holcus lanatus) Removal

Final Report, 2012 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge

Final Report, 2013 Mission Blue Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge

Literature review for Colletotrichum lupini for details.

Final Report, 2012 San Bruno Elfin Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge

Final Report, 2013 San Bruno Elfin Butterfly Survey, Milagra Ridge

Mapping species distribution of Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) in Mori Point National Recreation Area:

Implications for resource management and conservation planning

Mori Point Restoration and Trail Plan Revegetation Report 2007-2012

Restoration Success at Mori Point

Memorandum: Mori Point – Direct Seeding the Point

Memorandum, 2013 Mori Point Direct Seeding

Mori Point Post-Implementation Visitor Use Report, Assessing the effectiveness of the new Mori

Point trail system in reducing off -trail effects to sensitive habitats for details

Effects of Feral and Domestic Cats at Mori Point

Final Report 2013 California Red- legged frog survey, Mori Point

park stewardship program - fy 2012 and 2013 - annual report on restoration

Documents

restoration work

restoration fy

annual restoration report

invasive species work

invasive species removal

types of work

restoration team

dias ridge