Framework Habitat Management Plans for Preserve Complexes

CBI, in collaboration with others, developed preserve management plans that incorporated strategic plans for conserved lands, invasive species, wildlife connectivity and other regional plans.

CBI and AECOM worked with the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – with oversight from the wildlife agencies – to develop preserve management plans that incorporate elements of the Management Strategic Plan for Conserved Lands in western San Diego County, related Strategic Plans for invasive species and wildlife connectivity, and any relevant regional habitat conservation subarea plans.  These management plans serve as pilots for the standardized development of resource management plans by other land managers throughout the region.  We developed plans for two preserve complexes:  (1) the Southwest Otay Mesa preserve complex, which includes lands owned and managed by the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and (2) the Greater Crestridge Ecological Reserve Complex, which includes lands owned and managed by the Endangered Habitats Conservancy (EHC).  The latter plan was finalized (including a detailed, 5-year budget) in 2017, updated with additional preserves in 2018, and is being implemented by EHC land managers.

Plan development differs from traditional approaches in that we conducted rapid assessments to identify threats that needed immediate management attention rather than comprehensive biological surveys.  We also identified potentially-occurring biological resources, future survey needs, preserve-specific management priorities, SMART goals, objectives, and action items, and opportunities for coordinated management across preserve boundaries.

Funding for this project was through the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), with additional funding from the Endangered Habitats Conservancy to update the Greater Crestridge Ecological Reserve Complex Framework Resource Management Plan.