San Bernardino National Forest Land Management Plan - Part 2

Land Management Plan Part 2
San Bernardino National Forest Strategy
September 2005
Critical Biological Land Use Zones (see table 527: San Bernardino NF Critical Biological Land
Use Zones, page 9):
• City Creek
Total national forest acres--San Bernardino Front Country: 84,566
Desired Condition: San Bernardino Front Country Place is maintained as a natural appearing
'first impression' landscape that functions as a scenic backdrop and forest portal with highquality,
natural-appearing landscape vistas providing managed recreation opportunities. The
valued landscape attributes to be preserved over time are craggy silhouettes of the mountain
peaks, the mosaic of rock outcrops, an age-class mosaic in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian
habitat and the presence of conifers in the higher elevations and canyons. Chaparral and forested
areas are managed to provide fire protection for adjacent urban communities, recreation areas
and wildlife habitat. Habitat conditions for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species are
improving over time. The Santa Ana River above the Seven Oaks Dam is a healthy aquatic
ecosystem capable of supporting native fish and wildlife populations and a quality rainbow trout
fishery. Invasive animal and plant species are reduced over time. Heritage properties and Native
American gathering areas are identified and protected. Partnerships between the national forest
and Native American tribes increase. Property lines are located and managed.
Program Emphasis: Community protection from wildland fire is of the highest priority. It will
be emphasized through public education, fire prevention, and fuels management in cooperation
with city, county and state agencies. Community protection projects identified in the San
Gorgonio Wilderness may be implemented to reduce the risk of wildland fire to communities.
Forest health projects will be implemented to remove dead trees, reduce stand density and
promote pre-suppression era fire return intervals.
Habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, such as the southwestern willow
flycatcher, mountain yellow-legged frog and speckled dace will be conserved. Activities on
national forest land will also be managed to maintain the regional habitat linkage to the south.
Opportunities for the removal of invasive non-native species will concentrate on tamarisk, treeof-heaven,
arundo, and Spanish broom. The national forest will work with Southern California
Edison and the water agencies to restore and maintain aquatic and riparian habitat and native
species above the Seven Oaks Dam. Restoration of the Santa Ana sucker and the Santa Ana
River speckled dace populations as the habitat recovers will be a priority. This will include
prevention of invasive nonnative aquatic species from moving upstream from the Seven Oaks
Dam.
Through partnership agreements, Native American tribes provide assistance with identifying,
protecting, interpreting heritage resources.
Management is expected to focus on active participation with local governments to plan for
scenic and recreation values while protecting important natural resources from adjacent
urbanization and special-uses. New trail development of the Front Country Trail will be
proposed and day-use recreation opportunities will be emphasized for a diverse urban population
while protecting public safety and riparian habitat. National Forest staff expect recreational target
shooting to be well-managed and developed recreation facilities to be reconstructed to improve
their condition. Snowplay activities in Forest Falls will be managed.
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