Land Management Plan - Part 2 Los Padres National Forest Strategy

September 2005 Land Management Plan Part 2
Los Padres National Forest Strategy
Mixed conifer
forests cover north-facing slopes of the highest elevations and chaparral
dominates the lower elevations. Wilderness designation limits opportunities for vegetation
management. A minor noxious weed problem exists in some areas, including invasion of
tamarisk and yellow-star thistle. Volunteer groups are working to help control tamarisk and other
invasive weed populations.
There is a wide array of habitat (both riparian and upland) leading to a high biodiversity of
wildlife. Cliffs and rock outcrops provide habitat for California condors, mountain lions, bighorn
sheep, bats, and other species. Bear and deer are common.
The anadromous southern steelhead
trout can be found in a few streams during wet years, but barriers to fish passage restrict the
growth of populations.
With the exception of large periodic wildland fires, the natural
fire regime has largely been
excluded from this Place for many decades. Old-age fuels are set up for large fires, and there is a
need for management-ignited fire. Since most of the Sespe Place is surrounded by other wildland
Places, there is no urban interface. Access for firefighting
is limited to foot travel or aerial
suppression, and there is very limited potential for motorized
vehicle use during emergencies and
only under special authorizations.
Recreation opportunities include wildlife viewing and interpretation,
picnicking, camping,
hiking, hunting and use of the hot springs. Waterplay
and fishing are available at some locations,
and opportunities for solitude exist throughout the wilderness
(not in the Condor Sanctuary).
Environmental education is insufficient to meet demand.
Although there are multiple entry points
to the wilderness, access to some key areas (like the Devils
Gate on Sespe Creek) are unavailable
to the public, and needs to be resolved. Unauthorized OHV and mountain bike activity is
occurring in a few areas, and a few conflicts exist between recreationists and other resource
values. Cultural sites need additional protection.
Grazing occurs on several allotments around the eastern and northern perimeter of the
wilderness, but most grazing occurs outside of the boundary. Oil and gas are pumped from
beneath the wilderness via directional drilling from wells in the Sespe Field located just outside
the wilderness boundary. These wells were drilled before the wilderness was designated. Hot
springs occur within the wilderness, and are enjoyed by recreationists for soaking. Lead bullets,
antifreeze, high voltage lines and other hazards that threaten the California condors and other
species are being managed or eliminated to reduce the threats to viability. A few private
inholdings exist within the wilderness.
Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers:
• Sespe Creek 24.3 miles
Existing Wilderness:
• Sespe Wilderness 218,507 acres
Recommended Research Natural Area:
• White Mountain 2,104 acres
Total national forest acres--Sespe Place: 218,657
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