Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
Recommended Wild and Scenic Rivers:
• Sespe Creek 11.5 miles
Special Interest Area:
• Dry Lakes Ridge 406 acres
All acreages shown are within the Place.
Total national forest acres--Highway 33 Corridor Place: 109,150
September 2005
Desired Condition: Highway 33 Corridor Place is a primary location for a large segment of
recreation in the main body of the national forest, and the corridor will continue to serve as a
high quality scenic byway that also provides numerous access routes for dispersed recreation to
more remote areas of the national forest. The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is the southern-most
provider of the national forest's environmental education and interpretation for forest resources
and environmental issues. The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is also a significant feature of this
Place because of the quick, easy access
from southern California communities. Partnerships
(both public and private) are a significant component of accomplishing work and solving
problems. The scenic byway is maintained for its history and the natural appearing landscape.
Future recreation and special-uses attempt to grow with the demands of increasing populations,
but remain in compliance with wildlife and other natural resource constraints.
Program Emphasis: The Highway 33 Corridor Place will continue to provide quality recreation
opportunities. Continued emphasis on reducing conflicts between recreationists and sensitive
species, and to minimize illegal activities (e.g., marijuana cultivation) will be maintained.
Continue to eradicate or limit further spread of invasive weeds. Vegetation management
emphasis also includes the creation of community defense
zones around urbanized areas while
addressing forest health and wilderness values. Focus on reducing risks from wildland fire to
maintain water and scenic quality and improve steelhead and arroyo toad habitat. Continue plans
to remove existing recreation facilities, which are resulting in adverse impacts to endangered
species and pursue funding to construct replacement recreation facilities with equal or greater
user capacities. Continue cooperative efforts with CDFG and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to provide fishing opportunities at the Rose Valley Lakes.
Establish community defense zones in the urban interface. Emphasize the acquisition of lands to
improve public access, to promote ecological stability, and to reduce or eliminate use conflicts.
Pursue development of an OHV trail linking the Ballinger Canyon area to Hungry Valley.
Relocate recreational target shooting from the environmentally sensitive Cherry Canyon to a
better location in the Rose Valley area. If oil or gas developments occur in the Cuyama Valley,
they will proceed only as specified by the Oil and Gas EIS. Consider construction of new roads,
if necessary and consistent with leasing stipulations, for oil and gas exploration/development in
the high oil and gas potential area. Permits for exploration, development, and operation of
additional oil and gas facilities will be subject to further environmental study and be designed
and maintained to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts. Work with Caltrans to designate
and approve Road Spoil Disposal Sites along California State Highway 33. Work collaboratively
with federal and state agencies and water management entities to restore steelhead trout to
habitat upstream of Matilija Dam.
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