Implementation of Interim Predator Management Plan

Implementation of Interim Predator Management Plan

The project consists of the implementation of a plan that has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game to contract services that will identify, trap and remove, where feasible, predatory avian and mammalian species known to predate the threatened western snowy plover and endangered California least tern. Both species nest annually within Oceano Dunes SVRA between March 1 and September 30. The interim management plan identifies the avian and mammalian species targeted and identifies specific measures and procedures for the removal of individuals that are negatively impacting the nesting and survival success of the two listed ground nesting birds. This will be the second year for the interim plan. In 2002, the successful removal of loggerhead shrikes and coyotes, in part, were attributed to a successful fledge rate for the western snowy plover at Oceano Dunes SVRA. The project area consists of open, undeveloped beach, open foredunes and open sheet dunes within the SVRA. The project area is within, or adjacent to nesting areas that have been clearly established for the protection of the ground nesting birds. The project will minimally impact the targeted species, as relocation is the appropriate management method, where feasible. There is no anticipated impact beyond park property. The project is an integral part of our annual western snowy plover/ California least tern management plan and is a significant part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's, Western Snowy Plover Recovery Plan.

San Luis Obispo