Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
Camatta Ecology/Research/Education-
Interpretation
Acres: 55
September 2005
Places: Pozo/La Panza
Description of values: The Red Hill Road is so-named because of the red soil that is evident
atop the old plateau where the Red Hill Road begins. On either side of this plateau, erosion has
worn away the side and washed away the red
soil. Chamise chaparral and blue oak woodlands
are found on the slopes and bottomlands; however, the area bisected by the Red Hill Road is a
savannah at best, as the thin, rocky red soil is apparently inhospitable to tree and shrub. The
vegetation of the botanical special interest area is not well described in the ecological literature
and is best termed flower fields. Nonnative annuals such as filaree and foxtail are present, but
native annuals and perennials form a dominant component of the vegetation and feature one
threatened species (Camatta Canyon amole) and a second narrow endemic (Dwarf calycadenia).
Camatta Canyon amole (Chlorogalum purpureum reductum) is a threatened species and is found
only in this area, partly on private land and mostly on National Forest System land. Dwarf
Calycadenia (Calycadenia villosa) is a sensitive species and this form of the species is apparently
restricted to about four locations, all of which are in or adjacent to the La Panza Range. The soil
type here is unique and is apparently found nowhere else.
The area provides ecologists and biogeographers an opportunity to study ecological relations,
gene flow, population biology, and effects of grazing. The Red Hill Road area also provides
excellent opportunities for guided and self-guided interpretation.
The Red Hill Road area is a well-known location. Botanists visit the
area in the spring to enjoy
wildflowers and to see rare plants. Stargazers occasionally gather at night in the open plateau.
Off-highway vehicle riders often stage from an informal parking area located along Red Hill
Road. Campers and picnickers occasionally use the area for dispersed recreation. The area is
within the Navajo Allotment.
Description of area: The Red Hill Road botanical Special Interest Area is located on the border
of the national forest near the La Panza Range.
Access: From California State Highway 101, east on California State Highway 58, or from
Interstate 5, west on California State Highway 58, to Forest Road 29S15 (Red Hill Road). The
botanical Special Interest Area is immediately south of the intersection of California State
Highway 58 and Red Hill Road.
Desired condition: Vegetation is not adversely affected and natural disturbance processes
function within historic range of variability. Recreation use is mostly in the form of nonmotorized
day-use with increased emphasis on interpreting and appreciating natural history.
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