Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
September 2005
the need for fuelbreaks and community defense zones increases. While portions of the Santa
Ynez Mountains’ ridgeline are managed as a fuelbreak, community defense zones are not fully
established. Private land and the lack of easements can restrict access to some national forest
boundaries during emergency response to fire, floods, and earthquakes.
The east-west orientation of the Santa Ynez Mountains combined with the distinct
Mediterranean/marine climate results in a unique botanic zone and mix of species. Alternating
bands of grasslands and chaparral follow bands of faulted and folded sedimentary rock
formations across the landscape. Predominately south-facing slopes are dominated by chaparral
with grasslands and oak woodlands at lower elevations. Conifers exist in small patches along
ridgetops and on north-facing slopes. Narrow riparian corridors contrast
sharply with the
otherwise dry landscape. Noxious weed infestations, including
scotch broom and yellow star
thistle are an increasing problem, especially along road and trail corridors.
Wildlife species in the Santa Barbara Front Place are those
typically found within the southern
California foothill chaparral communities. Threatened and endangered species found within this
Place include steelhead trout and California red-legged frog
and there is potential to view the
endangered California condor. Two of the most rare
plants in California are found in this area—
Refugio manzanita and Santa Ynez false lupine.
Important cultural and historic sites on National Forest System
land and other land within the
national forest boundary include the Reagan Ranch, Knapp's
rock art site, La Cumbre lookout,
Painted Cave, Gaviota Hot Springs, and Slippery Rock.
The area has several good examples of
Chumash rock art and is still utilized by Native Americans
as a gathering area. The historical
stagecoach route over San Marcos Pass connected Santa
Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Recreation opportunities primarily focus on day-use, and include hiking, bicycling, paragliding
and hang-gliding, horseback riding, rock climbing and wildlife viewing. Many roads and non
motorized trails provide 'backyard access' to the foothills and ridgetop for local hiking and biking
enthusiasts from the urban areas. Auto touring routes cross and parallel the length of the Place.
Divide Peak is the only designated OHV area in this Place. Recreational target shooting is only
permissible at designated open shooting areas and at one permitted target range.
Multiple-uses, including intermingled land ownership patterns complicate management. Many
points of access to national forest land exist, but some areas are blocked by private land.
Conflicts occur between different types of recreation uses, particularly on Front Country trails,
and between recreation use and resources. Law enforcement is a management challenge due
to
the existence of illegal activities, such as motorized
vehicle trespass, trash dumping along roads
and at recreational target shooting areas, vandalism of cultural sites, campfires (during fire
restrictions), crimes, and graffiti.
There are no special designations.
Total national forest acres--Santa Barbara Front Place:
57,161
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