COMMISSION

planted native vegetation on the slope and in the newly created walkways. The slope was
also hydroseeded with native seed to help the recovery of the slope. As plants become
established, signs are placed next to them indicating the common name, genus, and
species of the plant so visitors can learn about the vegetation at Hungry Valley SVRA.
In 2016, an over/under feature was added to the Quail Canyon Special Event Area. This
over/under feature makes it possible to cross over a racecourse during an event in the
area. To create this feature, several tons of soil was brought in from other areas within the
park. In order to stabilize the soil, straw wattles and native plants were added to the area.
The wattles stabilize the soil for the short term while the native plants become established.
Again, DriWater was used to cut down on the watering and upkeep of the plants.
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Western Snowy Plover and Least Tern Nesting Program
California Least Tern Breeding Statistics
In 2014, Oceano Dunes SVRA had a minimum of 47 California
least tern (Sterna antillarum browni) breeding pairs. This is above
the average of 41 pairs (range 23-55) for this site from 2004
through 2013. During this same time period, the site achieved an
average fledge in excess of one fledgling per breeding pair, and
produced approximately 74 percent (489/657) of all tern fledges
California least tern juvenile
recorded in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Chicks hatched and banded at
Oceano Dunes SVRA have returned to successfully nest and fledge young at this site.
In 2015, there were an estimated 44-49 least tern breeding pairs. This is similar to 2014 and
above the average of 40-43 pairs for the 10-year period 2005-2014. There were 54 known
nesting attempts, all within the large seasonally fenced exclosure in the southern portion of
the vehicle riding area. The nest-hatching rate was 88.9 percent (48/54). Sixty-nine of the
84 chicks (including 12 unbanded chicks) are known to have fledged for a chick fledging
rate of 82.1 percent and an estimated 1.41-1.57 chicks fledged per pair. For the 10-year
period 2006-2015, average productivity was 1.21-1.28 chicks fledged per pair.
Western Snowy Plover Breeding Statistics
The western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) also achieved strong nest
and fledgling success at Oceano Dunes SVRA. For the five-year period from 2010 through
2014, the SVRA maintained an average snowy plover population of 175 breeding adults and
148
California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission