Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

September 2005 Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
The Figueroa-Santa Ynez Place has numerous examples of rock art and other archaeological
sites, and Native Americans continue to use the area for plant gathering and conducting
ceremonies. The area along the Santa Ynez River was an extensive prehistoric settlement that
supported a large Chumash population.
Other activities occurring within this Place include active range allotments, mining claims,
communications facilities, utility corridors,
and commercial and non-commercial filming and
photography. Private land inholdings scattered throughout the area prevent access to some
national forest lands and generate occasional land exchange proposals.
Because of the vegetative cover, seasonal weather conditions, and heavy recreation use, the
Figueroa-Santa Ynez Place is particularly susceptible to fire. The upper Santa Ynez Watershed
has a history of large wildland brush fires that can contribute to the fire-flood sequence and may
threaten nearby communities.
Noxious weeds are spread by both natural events and human caused activities. Species of most
concern include star-thistle, several
brooms, and tamarisk.
Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers:
• Sisquoc River 1.9 miles
Special Interest Area:
• Mono Basin 3,698 acres
Total national forest acres--Figueroa-Santa
Ynez Place: 84,998
Desire d Condition: Scenic qualities
of the landscape and biological diversity are maintained.
Large-scale wildland fires and flood event damage are minimized.
Threatened, endangered,
proposed, candidate and sensitive species habitat and populations are sustained or increased, and
exotic aquatic species and noxious weeds are controlled or reduced. Cultural resources are
protected and Native American tribal relationships strengthened. All administrative and
recreation facilities meet standards and provide high quality recreation experiences and public
services. Special-use authorizations (including recreation residences) are all administered to
standard.
Program Emphasis: Conduct prescribed fire and fuel treatment projects to maintain diverse
vegetation, improve watershed conditions, and minimize large-scale wildland fire. Monitor
threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate and sensitive species habitat and populations and
control/remove exotic and noxious species. Consult with Native American tribes and continue to
protect cultural resources. Upgrade administrative and recreation facilities and promote uses
compatible with threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate and sensitive species and habitat.
Work with concessionaires to provide high-quality visitor services and information. Complete
recreation residence continuation determination and complete actions needed when term permits
expire on December 31, 2008. Complete any scheduled residence removals. Continue to promote
volunteer Resource Improvement Projects with cooperators. Limit recreational target shooting to
managed sites. Control unauthorized OHV use. Work collaboratively with federal and state
agencies and water management entities as they initiate efforts to restore steelhead trout access to
habitat upstream of Bradbury Dam. Work cooperatively with the City of Santa Barbara to enable
a consistent approach to resource management within the Mono SIA.
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