Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Implementation
Rationale: It is estimated that 40 percent of the wetland acreage in Anaheim Bay has been lost to
development and agricultural uses. Even greater losses have occurred in the adjacent Huntington
Harbor area (USFWS and CDFG 1976). Statewide, 80 percent of California’s coastal wetlands
have been converted to urban or agricultural use (USFWS 1999). This significant loss in coastal
wetland habitat has led to a decline in several native species that are now federally-listed as
threatened or endangered. The loss of these wetlands also represents a significant loss in habitat
for many species of migratory shorebirds (Hickey et al. 2003).
This objective is also consistent with the principles of landscape ecology, as described under
Objective 2.4, and would adhere to Service policy mandating that habitats be managed to maintain
and restore biological integrity, diversity, environmental health. Where historic habitat has been
lost or severely degraded, we are encouraged to restore these habitats where it is feasible and
supports the fulfillment of refuge purposes. Restoration of these habitats would also support the
Service’s congressional mandate to preserve, restore, and enhance natural habitats for threatened
and endangered species, migratory and resident birds, wildlife, and plants; the recovery actions
recommended for the light-footed clapper rail; and actions recommended in the Southern Pacific
Shorebird Conservation Plan (Hickey et al. 2003) to support migratory birds.
Objective 2.5 - Restore Tidal Wetlands
Comparison by Alternative
Alternative
A B C
Strategy
By 2015, seek funding to prepare and implement restoration plans for the
nine acres of disturbed habitat located to the southeast of 7th Street Pond.
By 2017, seek funding to prepare and implement restoration plans for the
22 acres of disturbed habitat located to the north of the Case Road Pond.
Following the completion of initial restoration efforts to the north of the
Case Road Pond and to the southeast of 7
th Street Pond, develop and
implement a monitoring program to document natural recruitment of
intertidal vegetation and fish and wildlife response to restoration.
By 2014, coordinate with NWSSB to remove the drop tower and
surrounding structures along the west side of 7th Street to facilitate
restoration.
By 2017, prepare and implement restoration plans for the five acres of
disturbed habitat located to the west of the 7th Street Pond.
Objective 2.6: Restore Native Upland Habitat
When funding is identified, restore a minimum of ten acres of appropriate native upland
habitat in areas of existing disturbed upland habitat to achieve at least 50 percent coverage of
native perennial species such as California buckwheat, California sagebrush, coast sunflower,
and coastal goldenbush.
Rationale: The native upland habitat that once existed around the perimeter of Anaheim Bay has
been all but lost to agricultural, urban development, and military uses. This habitat once provided
important cover for wetland dependent birds during extreme high tides. In addition to providing
cover for birds and other wildlife, native upland vegetation also attracts native pollinators and
assists in the stabilization of soils located adjacent to wetland area. Restoring native upland
habitat in proximity the Refuge’s salt marsh complex would improve overall habitat quality for
Refuge trust species.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 6-11