Oak Woodland Protection Plans

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Oak woodlands on the Fort Ord National Monument. Image: BLM

Summary

This page describes Oak Woodland Protection Plans for Monterey County.

Oak Woodland Description

There are over 20 species of oaks native to California, ranging from low-growing shrubs to large trees. Oak woodlands support over 300 terrestrial vertebrates at some life stage, as well as a wide range of insect life [1]. There are 130 oak woodland plants listed as sensitive species by the federal or state governemnt, or the California Native Plant Society [2].

In California there are approximately 10 million acres of oak woodlands found in 54 of California’s 58 counties. About 4 percent of the oak woodlands are protected, and 80 percent are located on privately owned property [3]. California's oak woodlands are threatened by removal for development, diseases such as Sudden Oak Death (SOD), and poor regeneration. Poor regeneration, possibly due to fire suppression and overgrazing, contributes to increased presence of invasive species and long-term habitat change [4].

Location

Monterey County

Monterey County is located on the Central Coast of California. Oak woodlands comprise approximately 22% (over half a million acres) of Monterey County's total acreage, and are an integral part of an ecosystem that includes over 1,600 plant and animal species [5]. The most common oak species in Monterey County include coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), blue oak (Q. douglasii), and valley oak (Q. lobata).

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia). Image: CalPhotos (UC Berkeley
Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii)). Image: CalPhotos (UC Berkeley
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)). Image: CalPhotos (UC Berkeley

Fort Ord

Fort Ord is a former military base located in the southern Monterey Bay area of California.

Resources at Stake

Oak woodlands moderate temperature extremes, minimize soil erosion, sustain water quality, facilitate nutrient cycling, and provide habitat for numerous wildlife species.

Stakeholders

Laws, Policies and Regulations

State of California

The State of California has given directives to enact oak woodland protection plans, and identifies potential funding sources. California Assembly Bill No. 242 enacted the Oak Woodlands Conservation Act to fund the protection and conservation of the state’s oak woodlands [6]. Local government entities, park and open-space districts, resource conservation districts, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations can obtain funding from the Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund established by the bill [7].

Monterey County

Monterey County Zoning Ordinance Title 21 describes requirements for the preservation of oak and other protected trees [8]. Title 21 regulations apply to the unincorporated areas of Monterey County outside of the Coastal Zone.

Fort Ord Reuse Authority

Oak woodlands on Fort Ord, based on terminology used in the [FORA] Base Reuse Plan. Image: Central Coast Watershed Studies

Recreation Policy C1 of the Fort Ord Reuse Plan requires the City of Marina to establish an oak tree protection program focused on the conservation of coastal live oak woodlands[9]. Specifically, the conservation of large corridors within a comprehensive open space system is required. The city is directed to locate trails within this system, and the objective of establishing community parks is identified.

Related Legislation

California Assembly Bill No. 2785 directed the Department of Fish and Game to identify and prioritize areas in the state serving as essential habitat connectors or wildlife corridors[10]. The Department is required to produce vegetative data and analytical products for public and governmental use. The bill states that funding and cost-sharing opportunities with agencies or organizations that use the data will be pursued.


References

  1. University of California. Oak Woodland Management - Woodland Wildlife.
  2. University of California. Sensitive plants of oak woodlands.
  3. California Wildlife Conservation Board
  4. PRBO Conservation Science. 2002. The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan
  5. Big Sur Land Trust
  6. California Assembly Bill No. 242
  7. Oak Woodlands Conservation Program
  8. Monterey County Zoning Ordinance Title 21 § 21.64.260
  9. Fort Ord Reuse Plan Volume 2: Reuse Plan Elements
  10. California Assembly Bill No. 2785

Links

Disclaimer

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