Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Management Alternatives
nonnative plants, expand habitat for native wildlife, and minimize the potential for erosion. A
typical species list for such plantings would include: flat-top or California buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), lemonade berry
(Rhus integrifolia), broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), coyote brush (Baccharis
pilularis), California encelia (Encelia californica), white sage (Salvia apiana), and coastal
goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii).
Public Use Program
No changes to the current public use program, as described under Alternative A, are proposed.
Refuge Operations
Under Alternative B, Refuge operations would include the construction of a maintenance
storage building and new public restroom. These facilities would be constructed once funding is
identified and the projects have been reviewed and approved by NWSSB. Both facilities would
be constructed outside of the Refuge boundary adjacent to the existing Refuge Headquarters,
located near the southwest corner of Kitts Highway and Bolsa Avenue (refer to Figure 3-3).
This proposal does not require an expansion of the Refuge boundary. With Navy approval,
these facilities can be constructed on Navy land and would be used to serve management and
public use activities occurring on the adjacent Refuge. Additional details regarding these two
facilities are provided below.
Maintenance Storage Building. Currently, most of the Refuge tools and equipment are
stored is three small sheds located adjacent to the existing Refuge Headquarters. Due to
the lack of adequate storage space, some tools and equipment are also being stored in
outdoor areas located adjacent to the sheds. Refuge vehicles must be stored outdoors,
where they are subject to wire damage from rodents and rabbits. Maintenance work must
also be conducted outdoors. To address these storage and maintenance problems, this
alternative proposes the construction of a maintenance storage building on disturbed land
to the south of the Refuge Headquarters. The approximately 3,000-square-foot building
would include three vehicle bays to house a gator, small riding mower, and two passenger
vehicles. The building would also provide storage space for tools and equipment, a work
area and small office for a maintenance worker, and a restroom facility with a shower.
Public Restroom Facility. The existing restroom facility in the Refuge Headquarters only
has the capacity to accommodate one person at a time. This facility is woefully inadequate
for meeting the needs of the public during monthly and special guided tours of the Refuge.
To improve the visitor experience on the Refuge, this alternative includes a proposal to
construction additional permanent male and female restrooms to accommodate the current
need. This restroom facility, which would be constructed using green technologies to
reduce water use and energy, would most likely be provided in a detached building placed
on the north side of the Refuge Headquarters.
Environmental Contaminants Coordination
Environmental contaminants coordination would continue as described in Alternative A.
Cultural Resource Management
Although cultural resource management would continue to be implemented as described in
Alternative A, this alternative also proposes to provide opportunities for archaeological and
historical research on the Refuge. Potential research topics might include: the effects of
changes in the paleoenvironment on prehistoric people in the area of the Refuge; the
prehistoric occupation patterns on the Refuge’s historic upland areas; the identification of
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment 3-33