Andrew Molera Condor Feeding Site

Andrew Molera Condor Feeding Site

Establish a California condor feeding site on East Molera Ridge in Andrew Molera State Park. The proposed site is located about 100 meters to the south of and 150 meters downhill from the junction of the East Molera Trail and the East Molera Ridge Road. The surrounding topography is moderately to severely steep, but the sit is located on a gently sloping notch on an east-west aligned ridge. The vegetation at the site consists largely of non-native grasses and forbs. No sensitive species are known to exist on the site or surrounding area. The purpose of the project is to establish a condor feeding site which 1) can be easily observed, for research purposes, from the Ventana Wilderness Society field office; 2) can be observed by visitors, through spotting scopes; and 3) will expand condor feeding sites within their range. No condor feeding sites currently exist on State Parks land. The feeding site would consist of one or two 4-foot pieces of rebar pounded 2 feet into the ground. If two pieces of rebar are used, they would be placed approximately 50 feet apart. Periodically, depending on site usage, animal carcasses would be attached to the rebar stakes and left for the condors. Carcasses would be transported by pick-up truck along the East Molera Road above the site, and then be hiked into the site in backpacks (not dragged). All work would be conducted by VWS field staff. A ten foot radius area surrounding the rebar may be partially denuded due to feeding activities.

Monterey