Fort Ord National Monument (FONM)

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An environmental summary by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.

Oak trees in the Fort Ord National Monument. Photo from BLM[1]

Overview

Fort Ord National Monument (FONM) is a 14,658-acre public habitat conservation area located on the site of the former Fort Ord. The Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management who oversees the protection and management of 44 rare plants and animals present in the area. FONM is characterized by diverse habitats including maritime chaparral, oak woodland, seasonal vernal pools, and coastal grassland. [2] FONM boasts over 86 miles of trails that are accessible by foot, bike, and horseback.[3]

Designation

In 2012, President Barack Obama use the Antiquities Act to declare the BLM-managed portion of the former Fort Ord a National Monument intending to “maintain its historical and cultural significance, attract tourists and recreationalists from near and far and enhance its unique natural resources, for the enjoyment of all Americans” [4]

Programs and Projects on FONM

BLM Grazing Program on the FONM grasslands

The FONM grasslands are 4,200 acres of open space characterized by rolling hills, isolated individuals of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), and decades-old stands of purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) seasonally joined by native wildflowers, and forbs. Reducing the encroachment of non-native flora to the grasslands has been identified as a vital management priority by BLM. Since 2014, BLM has contracted the services of 1000 to 2000 goats to graze the FONM grasslands to reduce residual dry matter (RDM) and target non-native species during the growing season.

References

  1. BLM
  2. Fort Ord National Monument https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/fort-ord-national-monument
  3. Fort Ord National Monument https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/fort-ord-national-monument
  4. Obama White House FONM designation https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/04/20/presidential-proclamation-establishment-fort-ord-national-monument

Links

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.