Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

September 2005 Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
The Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary and additional designated critical areas protect habitat for the
endangered California condor. In some locations, noxious species including star thistle, tamarisk,
and arundo are established.
The San Rafael Place contains important heritage sites, including remnants
of historic
settlements and numerous examples of Chumash rock art. It also includes part of the Sierra
Madre Special Interest Area, dedicated to the preservation
of cultural resources, and used by
contemporary Native Americans for conducting ceremonies
and collecting plants.
For an area of such enormous size, San Rafael Place has surprisingly few points of easy access.
There is an extensive trail system offering long hikes in remote settings and several roads for
mountain bikes and/or motorized uses. The trail system needs maintenance and there is
mechanized intrusion at a number of wilderness entry
points; mechanized transportation and
motorized equipment are prohibited in wilderness. While
the emphasis is on non-motorized use,
OHV opportunities are available on Romero-Camuesa Road.
Nonconforming improvements
within the wilderness, including culverts and old roadbeds
have not been reclaimed or removed.
San Raphael Wilderness
backpackers
Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers:
• Sisquoc River 32.6 miles
Existing Wilderness:
• Dick Smith Wilderness 71,350 acres
• Matilija Wilderness 29,243 acres
• San Rafael Wilderness 190,168 acres
Recommended Wilderness:
• Madulce-Buckhorn (Dick Smith Wilderness) 5,360 acres
• Matilija (Matilija Wilderness)2,700 acres
• Mono (Dick Smith Wilderness) 27,012 acres
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