Biological diversity of species, both flora and fauna, is an essential property of a healthy ecosystem. Globally we are losing species at an alarming rate. 'Species are now vanishing 100 - 1,000 times faster than natural extinction rates as a result of human actions."' It has taken the Earth 4.5 billion years to produce today's intricate web of life with its minions of species - a magnificent heritage. Yet unless we change direction, current estimates are that human activities win be responsible for the extinction of 10% of all species by 2000 and 2,5% by 2020. What took million and billions of years to produce will be wiped out by our carelessness in only a few decades.2 Though a majority of the citizenry favors strong enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, delays in listing of threatened species and further delays in protective regulation have contributed to the problem. In addition, there is now an increased effort to weaken the Endangered Species, Clean Air, and Clean Water Acts (especially Section 404, the wetlands protection provision).

"California is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. The state's rich natural heritage -- vegetation cover and distribution, wildlife and fish habitat, recreation and aesthetic values, water and air quality - provides the basis for California's economic strength and quality of life. Sustaining the diversity and condition of these natural ecosystems is a prerequisite for maintaining the state's prosperity."3 According to a recent study by Princeton University and the Environmental Defense Fund, large numbers of America's endangered species are clustered in relatively few 'hot spots," and Santa Cruz County (SCC) is among the most sensitive of these areas. Though various local studies have been initiated [see Section IV], we still have insufficiently compiled/ documented information overall. Without a clear baseline, measurements are less meaningful.

In a healthy ecosystem, it is the below ground fauna and flora (so often taken for granted) such as earthworms, beetles, microorganisms, that are the essential life supports for the above ground abundance - plant, animal and human.. This biologically diverse web of life is built by the daily feeding of fallen leaves, grasses and flowers to billions of soil animals per cubic foot, resulting in fertile humus - Nature's building block. It increases the micro to macro nutrient storage and water holding capacity of the ecosystem, increasing healthy plant, animal and human habitats.

In any given bio-region, when you exceed the carrying capacity of the land -- that is the ecosystem's ability to sustain continuously healthy plant and animal populations -- you endanger the well being of the interdependent web of life, including humans. The arrival of dense human population beginning in this area about 200 years ago has altered natural systems more rapidly and completely than ever before. The results of human activity have favored a few species over the prior balance. Many, if not most, indigenous plant and animal populations have declined, some to the point of extinction. The primary human activities in this region have been development (e.g. urbanization & agriculture), the introduction of invasive species of animals and plants, and resource extraction such as mining and logging (90% of the natural forests were clear cut -90 years ago). AU of these factors have resulted in irreversible ecological changes.

1. Medium-density, single-family housing continues to sprawl and consume much of what remains of the few, relatively undisturbed areas. Coho salmon and steelhead trout continue to exist at perilously low levels (we have lost 98% of the trout) as "a result of habitat degradation due to sedimentation and insufficient stream flows, caused possibly by development and the growth of human population."4
2. County residents have introduced new species from other parts of the world. Some of these are "invasive" and have displaced many indigenous species and severely modified habitat. One-third or more of the species among the Santa Cruz Mountains flora are exotics.5 Feral animals as well as invasive plant species have had an adverse affect on the overall health and diversity of SCC.
3. The volume of timber cut has tripled in Santa Cruz County in the last ten years,6 however the county is growing about 80 million board feet and harvesting -15 million board feet every year. The increase in standing volume is due mostly to the increase in the number of young tree regrowth, while the old trees continue to be cut.
4. Endangered ecosystems of prairie, maritime chaparral, wetlands, and riparian areas continue to be lost &/or threatened by development.

The combination of the spread of invasive plant species, fire suppression activities, and the dense re-growth in response to the clear-cut logging of the early part of this century has created a critical danger of a fire storm of unprecedented destructive capacity. Poor logging practices result in removal of the biggest, oldest trees, which are the most fire resistant, leaving the more fire-prone, smaller trees. In addition, slash piles of debris, improperly lopped and scattered, contribute to the fire hazard. Fire, once a natural way to maintain a forest, is now a major threat to forest ecosystems because of the high fuel density. Road building, disturbances during logging, along with the lost canopy have invited exotic species into the forests and meadow lands. The combination of succession allowed by the lack of fire and the spread of invasive species is eliminating many historic meadowlands and shrublands. With the loss of these very threatened habitats, we are also losing fire breaks for our precious remaining forests. The damage of a large uncontrolled fire today may well be permanent ecologically. This damage will also negatively affect the economic activity in our area.

The historic conversion of 96% of our ancient redwood/douglas-fir forests into second growth forests has modified the composition, structure, and function of our forest ecosystems to the long-term detriment of forest health. This ancient forest loss has reduced biodiversity in the region and placed old-growth dependent species like the Marbled Murrelet, Pileated Woodpecker, and Vaux's Swift in jeopardy. To restore biodiversity in our second growth forests as well as to assure the sustainability of timber production from them, we need to retain any residual old-growth trees or snags and restore such important ecological components as, large living trees, large snags, large down logs, and a multi-layer canopy. -Some reduction in short-term yield will be necessary to make these forests sustainable in both economic and ecological terms.

The historic loss of 99% of our native prairies has led to the decline and local extinction of many prairie-dependent species. San Francisco popcorn flower, artist's popcorn flower, Santa Cruz tar plant, Santa Cruz clover, Hickman's smartweed, Scotts Valley spine flower, Gairdner's yaxnpah are species of concern that have been reduced to a few isolated islands of native prairie in SCC and elsewhere. To restore biodiversity to what is left of our prairie ecosystem as well as to assure the long term sustainability of local grazing animal operations, we need to preserve all remaining areas of historic prairie habitat, regardless of its present apparent species content and restore historic, ecocentrically- managed. disturbance regimes of grazing and fire.

With our wasteful consumer culture still fundamentally a mechanism for clearing the natural world away, our struggle to save wild places becomes even more critical. Yet, we continue to lose open land/habitats to development every year. Nature is the unacknowledged foundation that supports our community, economically and culturally. Protecting our environmental heritage could be looked at as an act of cultural and economic self-preservation. We rely on the ocean for abundant food, recreation, & beauty, the forests for innumerable purposes, the insects to pollinate our crops, birds & frogs to keep pests in check, rivers to supply clean water, and so forth.

The Monterey Bay water quality is known to be very good. The periodic upwelling and extensive year round mixing with the open ocean result in well buffered, highly productive and well oxygenated off shore waters. The hot spots are at river mouths and storm drain outflow pipes. Polluted storm water runoff from cities and rural areas is now considered by the U.S.EPA to be the biggest overall threat to our nation's water quality. Cities under 100,000 are currently exempt from stipulations of the Clean Water Act regarding storm water runoff. [See Toxic Technology/ Waste Management chapter] Priority problems for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary include: wetlands alteration, habitat degradation, sedimentation, adverse levels of toxic pollutants, reproductive impairment, fish population decline, and watershed disturbance .7 Shoreline and near shore recreation occurs throughout the Bay area, including boating, fishing, surfing, diving, and wildlife viewing. The beauty of our "Sanctuary" designation means that preservation of these recreational and biological elements for future generations is a public policy priority.

II. Desired State

A healthy ecosystem is the foundation for a sustainable community. Therefore, our vision for the bioregion in and around Santa Cruz County begins with stabilization of present ecosystem conditions followed by on-going efforts toward restoring habitats to optimal health and balance. For the future, we envision all indigenous species of flora and fauna thriving and, wherever beneficial, lost species being reintroduced. Our forests are helped to return to the natural old growth state in key watersheds and other forests are managed to include key habitat elements necessary for old growth-associated species. Ecologically sustainable logging practices preserve heterogeneous tree size & age, protect waterways, and avoid harvesting from steep slopes, etc. Ground water is drinkable (free of contaminants) and air quality is excellent throughout the county. Furthermore, there is a coordinated community effort to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all plants & wildlife particularly native species.

We envision a society, educated and informed sufficiently to support proven science. Further, we see an electorate which will demand thorough research and communication of the facts. These facts will contribute to constructive education and debate with a tolerance for well considered, though divergent, points of view and the desire to synthesize those views into an integrated plan for long-term harmony among humans with their surrounding environment.

We envision the implementation of a self sustaining system that engenders a natural harmony among humans and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The few and relatively inviolate remaining ancient landscapes must be preserved for the sustenance and identification of what remains of indigenous systems. They must be retained for future generations and not be sacrificed for entertainment, profit, political expediency, or any reason.

III. Goals for Year 2000

A. Complete the effort to structure and install a data base to contain all the applicable information useful in habitat restoration and maintenance. It will be structured to be publicly available on-line to anyone on a site specific basis. The data will be collected from professionals, long term property owners, scientists, and committed volunteers - subject to peer review. This authoritative information source should provide sufficient information to vastly reduce the need for the costly and protracted process for professional reports on smaller projects.

B. Identify long-term dynamic principles (100 + years) with which to assist land management. Coordinate experimental and observational work to confirm these principles. Accompanying this will be a plan to properly manage periodic events such as fire, landslides, etc.

C. Identify and publicize a list (i.e. picture & description) of existing invasive exotic plants and animal pests, including the most effective control methods. Prevent the introduction of new invasive exotics into Santa Cruz County.

D. Initiate reforestation and restoration efforts, including topsoil production from discarded organic matter, so that the rate of decline of habitat stabilizes.

E. Initiate a low cost county grassland management program (as mandated by the County General Plan), including the widespread use of grazing animals to control weeds and create ecologically necessary soil disturbance, avoiding riparian areas.

F. Develop a Watsonville slough master plan to guide land use planning, habitat restoration, education, and management practices.

G. Change California Forest Practices Act to emphasize long term habitat preservation, to include preservation for old growth stands & protection of riparian areas with better enforcement. Support economic incentives encouraging landowners to retain and promote old growth trees and stands.

H. Greatly increase the area of pristine ecological preserves for species preservation. 'The only fundamental way to preserve life's biological diversity is to make sure all species have appropriate habitat. For many species that means true wilderness." 8

IV. What Has Been Done

A. County Regulations:

1. In 1990 voters passed Santa Cruz County Measure C (The Decade of the Environment Referendum) specifying actions on: offshore oil drilling, global warming & renewable energy sources, protection of the ozone layer, protection & restoration of our forests, greenbelt protection & preservation, recycling, toxic and radioactive materials, endangered species and biological diversity, development of a sustainable local economy, and managed growth & development. There is an annual review process with the Board of Supervisors, which provides the public an opportunity to give input.
2. 1994 modifications to the Santa Cruz County General Plan to promote the restoration of the county's natural resources and deteriorating landscapes, included:

• Sec. 5.1 Biological Diversity: Program h - to encourage the attraction of private capital for purposes of restoration and stewardship of natural resources including vegetation, wildlife, water and soil resources.
• Sec. 5.11 Open Space Preservation: Program c - use of development agreements in connection with the establishment of an integrated program to achieve open space protection objectives.
• Sec. 5.1.5 Land Division & Density Requirements in Sensitive Habitats - the elimination of disincentives for healthy management of grasslands and special forests.

B. Research & Assessment

1. Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF), dedicated in 1990, is I of 5 demonstration sites in Calif., actively managed by the Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection. SDSF has been defined by legislation to demonstrate model forestry practices, watershed protection, public education, & preservation of old growth trees. There has been one timber harvest followed by intensive watershed monitoring & wildlife/fisheries assessment. Limited timber harvesting is allowed in order to pay for the operating expenses of the forest.
2. Santa Cruz Mountains Biodiversity Task Force (now known as Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council) convened in 1992 and began bioregional biodiversity assessment and conservation study. En 1994 they began compiling information on species whose continued existence is or may be threatened, dividing the bioregion into 21 ecoregions.- though hampered by lack of funding, two of the 21 ecoregional studies are nearly completed. The report, called 'Ecological Assessment of Biodiversity in the Santa Cruz Mountains," needs further funding.
3. California Native Plant Society (CNPS) - has cataloged species of plants within Santa Cruz County and has released preservation policy statements for California. CNPS-SCC chapter maintains a list of species of concern within the county. One-tenth of the plant species at risk of extinction in SCC have been listed with the state or federal government and receive some level of protection.
4. Valley Women's Club, Environmental Committee mapped the San Lorenzo Valley watershed with respect to timber harvests in order to show cumulative past & current impact, it is now public information.
5. The "Community Forest Restoration" proposals were put forth in 1994 -95 by a diverse group of people working to alter legislation to improve logging practices. They need further work; call Earth First for details.

C. Mediation, Education, & Facilitation Efforts:

1. The 'Blue Circle" is a Coordinated Resource Management & Planning (CRMP) Advisory Team organized by the Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District (SCCRCD). It advises the following 5 CRMPs in the county: Arana Gulch Watershed Alliance, Corralitos Valley Watershed Committee, San Lorenzo Watershed Caretakers, Soquel Watershed Group, & Pajaro River Watershed Council. CRMPs bring multi- stakeholder together to solve complex natural resource issues and have taken a proactive approach to things like:

• organizing a community cooperative effort to eradicate French Broom, an extremely invasive & flammable weed that is choking out native vegetation.
• watershed monitoring
• sponsoring workshops on erosion, private road maintenance, fire hazard reduction, drainage near homes, etc.
• 2. AMBAG developed a program to help bridge language and cultural goals in relationship to watershed management to overcome language and cultural barriers.

D. Preserving Bay & Waterways:

1. In 1992 the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary received 'sanctuary' status & became the largest of 11 (now 12) in the U.S. - managed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
2. UCSC's California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) launched a Water Watch campaign in 1995. Volunteers work to clean up and revitalize waterways through its 3 step program of monitoring pollution, cleaning up debris, and educating the community - including 1,800 school children in '96 alone.
3. Proposition 204 was passed in Nov., 1996, providing funding for environmental improvements and ecosystem restoration to help increase California's supply of safe, clean water.
4. Ongoing enhancement &/or restoration projects, for example:

• California Coastal Commission sponsors annual Coastal Clean up Days - volunteers are organized locally by Ecology Action @ (408) 426-5925, ext. 18.
• Wetlands/River restoration/clean ups - e.g.: a partial list includes: Coastal Watershed Council projects, Wetland restoration activities by Watershed Institute, SCC Land Trust, Watsonville Wetlands Watch quarterly slough cleanups, Monterey Salmon & Trout Project, Friends of the River, County Planning Restoration Projects, K-12 School River Restoration Projects, the San Lorenzo River volunteer clean up, and Carbonera Creek improvement of rearing habitat for steelhead trout & coho salmon - managed by The Natural Resources & Employment Program.
• The Wildlands Restoration Team is continuously removing French Broom & other invasive exotics from the mountain state parks without the use of chemical herbicides, using volunteers.
• An affiliate of CSU Monterey Bay, UCSC restoration: grazing management. to restore native grasslands. -Friends of Arana Gulch restoration efforts have included soil-scraping to expose native seed stocks.
• On the Watsonville Wildlife area owned by the Department of Fish & Game, the Watsonville Wetlands Watch has created brush piles for small mammals and quail habitat since '92, and removed exotic species since '96.

5. There is a joint effort to coordinate ongoing programs and to research a coastal stream habitat that would protect all salmonids. The Dept. of Fish & Game has actively pursued preservation and restoration of key habitats.

6. To minimize water pollution from urban runoff, in 1996 the cities of Santa Cruz & Monterey, the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, NOAA, AMBAG, & California Coastal Commission initiated a "Model Urban Runoff Program" to develop water pollution control guidelines for smaller to medium-sized cities around the Bay and throughout the state. The program simultaneously works in 3 areas: 1) technical, 2) legal authority, & 3) public education. Municipal planning tools and procedures include California Environmental Quality Act, ordinances, and General Plan language.

7. Save Our Shores runs a program called the Sanctuary Steward Certification Program where they train 25 community members and visitors per year in all aspects of sanctuary policies and management. These volunteers educate over 20,000 community members a year on how to get involved in protecting the Sanctuary.

8. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Citizen's Stewardship Guide - published in '96 by the Center for Marine Conservation & the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - to link interested and concerned citizens with practical, hands-on volunteer opportunities.

9. A permanent Wildlife Rescue Center was set up at Long Marine Lab, funded by Calif. taxes on oil as part of the '90 Oil Spill Prevention & Response Act.

E. Open Space Protection:

1. Efforts to retain and protect open space areas within the City of Santa Cruz have been successful, starting with the campaign by the Save Lighthouse Point Association in the early 1970's to prevent a massive development project on Lighthouse Field. Further protection of lands on the city's borders (the "Santa Cruz Greenbelt") ensued with the passage of the Greenbelt initiative in 1979, which eventually led to the public acquisition of the Pogonip in 1989, Arana Gulch in 1994, and a 25-acre addition to the Pogonip in 1996. Protection of remaining Greenbelt areas on the western border of the city (Moore Creek uplands) has yet to be accomplished.
2. The City of Santa Cruz has developed and is proceeding to implement a Greenbelt Master Plan Feasibility Study.
3. Plans to construct a nuclear power plant just-north of Davenport and plans to develop a new community of 35,000 between Santa Cruz & Davenport were stopped by the efforts of community organizations such as Save the Coast, Operation Wilder, & Sierra Club, and helped to motivate the passage in 1972 of Proposition 20, the California Coastal Initiative. This law, which was revised and extended by the State Legislature in 1976, has helped in the protection of open space along the county's coastline and in the maintenance of public access to our beaches.
4. Of critical importance in the retention of open space in SCC was the passage of our county's growth control ordinance (Measure J) in 1978, which, by establishing "urban service lines," has discouraged urban sprawl.
5. After years of work by Save the Gray Whale Parklands, in 1996 the 2,319 acre Gray Whale Ranch was purchased by Save the Redwoods League to be donated as a state park.
6. The Open Space Alliance of Santa Cruz County was organized under the Environmental Council in 1995. It was established to permanently protect open space lands with significant natural and scenic qualities and is supported by 14 member organizations from throughout the county. The Alliance works to: a) expand open-space preservation efforts, b) assist local public & private entities to make open-space and resource management planning a high priority, c) provide information regarding the fundamental ecological, cultural and intrinsic value of open space lands, & d) organize the purchase of special lands. A Habitat Evaluation Matrix has been created. Alliance members identified ten special habitat lands in the county that should be preserved.

V. Suggestion Actions For Further Progress

A. Complete Research/Assessments, Compile Documentation, & Coordinate Dissemination / Implementation:

1. An Environmental Survey to establish current ecosystem conditions is necessary to set a base-line against which progress and loss can be measured. Diverse pieces of such a survey are being compiled by various agencies, task forces and individuals, including the Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF), the Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council, the University's Environmental Studies Department, and Coastal Advocate's Geographic Information System (GIS) program.
2. Further assessment and follow through is needed to: a) identify what is being done or has been done, b) compile listings of reports, contact individuals, and the scope/limits of their work, c) network information so that duplication of effort is avoided and cooperation is enhanced, d) identify areas of omission, e) find ways to fill the gaps, and f) see that a comprehensive documentation of existing conditions in Santa Cruz County is compiled, acknowledged as an educational and legally authoritative report.
3. Stimulate productive community involvement by educating the local public about the process outlined above through the dissemination of information via local media, open meetings, and possibly public on-site visits or field trips. Once substantial progress towards fulfilling these goals has been made, bioregional coordination with adjacent counties would be encouraged. After documentation of conditions has been completed and public education fostered, activate the community in overseeing and convening local CRMPS, mediation services, or utilize civil procedures to resolve disputes.
4. Set up an Environmental Clearinghouse for Santa Cruz County residents including a broad range of information regarding land management/enhancement and referrals for related services. (e.g. at UCSC and on the Internet)
5. Convene an Advisory Board that includes diverse expertise, including biological knowledge, engineering, finance, legal, and a creative moderator (not legal) for the purposes of conducting peer review, advising policy decision makers, and accurately informing media.

B. Preserve the Health of our Shrublands & Grassland Habitat:

1. Inventory and map remaining dune coastal bluff, coastal scrub, prairie, & chaparral areas.
2. Design habitat reserves for the above listed area types; habitat reserve design should contain corridors and buffers and be large enough for the long term sustainability of all indigenous species.
3. Purchase core habitat reserve areas and corridors for the above listed area types.
4. Negotiate conservation easements and create zoning laws for above listed area type reserve buffers.
5. Change agricultural zoning of historic prairie areas to permit only grazing for the health of the indigenous vegetation.
6. If necessary, create a local nonprofit group to establish and maintain, humanely treated, organic wool and/or dairy-producing, grazing herd for ecosystem management.
7. Encourage the use of controlled & carefully monitored grazing to maintain or enhance native plant biodiversity on grasslands, avoiding riparian areas.
8. Create a science-based, peer-reviewed, countywide, chaparral prescribed fire management plan to be implemented by local fire departments.
9. Hire a professional resource ecologist for county planning staff to review ecosystem impacts, including but not limited to prescribed fire, grazing, ecological restoration, environmental impact mitigation measures, local park's ecological management, & weed invasion status.
10. Direct housing development into forested areas of low biological diversity, rather than the areas listed above.
11. Use restoration techniques in the areas listed above, that focus on weed and erosion control, allowing natural succession and soil seed bank recruitment, rather that just replanting.
12. Encourage and aid in the funding of biological control of the worst exotic pest plants through regional quarantine facilities (at this time operated by the USDA in Albany, CA).

C. Preserve the Health of our Forests:

1. Investigate returning local control of Timber Harvest Pen-nits (TIOS) from the state to the counties by giving the county jurisdiction to hear appeals instead of the Board of Forestry. THPs issued by California Dept. of Forestry could be handled like any other land issue in this county with the same review, public opinion and appeal opportunities.
2. Look into substantially expanding the area for public notification of THP's to include everyone directly affected by it, instead of just 300 feet from the boundary & 1,000 feet downstream.
3. Establish & enforce no-cut, no-entry zones around streams, building on guidelines already established for national forests. The most commonly accepted, peer-reviewed study is FENIAT (Federal Ecological Management Assessment Team), which came up with this concept for key watersheds in 1992.
4. Work to change state legislation so that the county can implement Decade of the Environment Referendum Santa Cruz County Measure C, Section 16.90.030, #4, and change the wording as follows: "... to ensure that timber harvesting proceeds only on the basis of sustained harvesting techniques that will allow the harvesting of timber only at that rate at which new timber is regenerated and restored (substitute, forest ecosystems can support'), and that will permanently protect (add: 'and restore') old growth redwood stands in the State of California..."
5. implement 1994 County General Plan, Sec. 5.1 Biological Diversity Program h & others. (See Section IV) 6. Look into changing the economic structure for forestry to provide incentives for more environmentally sound logging practices.
6. The California Forest Practices Act needs to be revised to: 1) offer incentives to preserve old growth trees, 2) increase protection of stream site areas, 3) offer incentives to provide protection & restoration of wildlife habitats, & 4) consider other ways of appointing the Board of Forestry similar to the way the Coastal Commission is appointed, and investigate other ways of working with the Board of Forestry.
7. Encourage further discussions and consensus between those who feel the forest is a major natural value and those who see it as a capital resource, in an attempt to join with those who share both points of view.
8. Certification of sustainability for products derived and manufactured from rain forest materials. e.g. International forest and wood product certification programs endorsed by the Forestry Stewardship Council are one way to encourage local timber producers to manage their land in an ecologically sustainable fashion.
9. Create and enforce a fire management plan that includes planned controlled bums in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
10. Lobby for an end to government subsidies for the construction of logging roads into national forests and amend the way logging is done on federal lands to concentrate on "thinning" the young saplings that crowd many forests and carry fire into the crowns of mature trees instead of cutting the tallest, most valuable trees for lumber.9
11. Push for federal legislation to have the 'Salvage Rider' sales reevaluated and purchased back from the buyers.

D. Protect Open Space

1. Maximize the use of available public & private capital for the purchase and maintenance of pristine areas. Continue to build and support local coalitions, such as the Campaign to Save Pajaro Valley Farmlands & Wetlands, Open Space Alliance, Friends of the North Coast, & Scotts Valley Citizens for Responsible Growth, as well as solicit support from other interested parties.
2. Continue to pioneer environmental protection and restoration programs aimed at preserving whole biosystems in order to best protect endangered species and sensitive habitats, rather than just individual species; ecosystem management is the best way to protect species.10
3. Work toward preserving and expanding the local and state park system and funding for adequate management.
4. Investigate all possible, appropriate incentives, including land swaps, as a means of permanently preserving open space.

E. Improve Ecosystem Management & Restoration

1. Devise common-sense management plans based on consensus science that protect resources & thereby the economies that depend on them (e.g. in the fishing industry). Calculate less than 'maximum sustainable yield" to allow for less than ideal ecological conditions.
2. Conduct rigorous study and a careful management plan to compensate for the disappearance of large, high-level predators in certain locations.
3. Research and develop effective sheet, rill & gully erosion-control techniques. Investigate topsoil production as a means of improving soil quality and thereby enhancing vegetation for the prevention of soil erosion.
4. Encourage the use of controlled and carefully monitored grazing to maintain or, enhance native plant biodiversity on grasslands, avoiding riparian areas.
5. Develop a basic set of guidelines for management of wild lands (i.e. non-urban, non-agric.). The concepts of 'restoration" and "enhancement' need to be reevaluated and carefully defined with emphasis away from planting and toward encouraging natural vegetation.
6. Support watershed oriented native plant nurseries and seed banks to provide landscape plants and preserve rare and endangered species.
7. Wherever possible, developers should leave existing trees, and otherwise consider an appropriate replacement/maintenance plan for trees lost to development.
8. Explore the use of restored (or constructed) wetlands, together with buffer strips of trees on ag lands, to reduce runoff of major pollutants such as sediments, phosphorus, & nitrogen by 80-100%."
9. Install & maintain sediment catch basins and check dams to prevent excess sedimentation on wetland soils.
10. Improve both quality and extent of upland habitats that are adjacent to wetlands, which are necessary for many wetland wildlife to complete their life cycles.
11. Develop a comprehensive action plan for managing coastal resources as soon as possible; address critical needs related to non-point source pollution, coastal access, water quality, and habitat restoration;

F. Educate the Public & Decision Makers

1. Educate the decision makers and the public about the "True Value of Nature's Ecosystem Services" including: providing habitat, purifying & regulating water, absorbing & decomposing wastes, pollution control, cycling nutrients, creating & maintaining soils, providing pollination & pest control, regulating local/ global atmosphere & climates, producing raw materials (food, fisheries, timber & building materials, non-lumber forest products, fodder, genetic resources, medicines, dyes, etc.), as well recreational, cultural, and educational/scientific benefits.12
2. Expand public awareness & involvement in Santa Cruz County Measure C (The Decade of the Environment Referendum) to make sure that people are fully aware & involved in its implementation.
3. Support the educational programs already existing and further efforts to enhance education for all ages regarding this issue. [See Education chapter.]

G. Encourage Citizen Involvement

1. Because human effort and participation is required to maintain healthy ecosystems where humans reside, a political effort must be made to incite "beneficial human activity." While major distinctions exist among different locations regarding what type of activity constitutes "beneficial" effort, a means to cost effectively deliver the best available local expertise toward a plan for any project must be found.
2. Calif. Native Plant Society recommends that landowners adopt invasive plant management policies, implement exotic plant control measures, and encourage citizen volunteer control efforts.
3. Research setting up a program similar to San Jose's "Our City Forest' to encourage citizens to take an active role in protecting & maintaining trees on their own property and to organize to jointly help maintain public areas in cooperation with the existing authorities. [Info: (408) 277-3969]
4. Promote National Wildlife Federation's "Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program" to encourage everyone to plan their landscaping with the needs of wildlife in mind. [See Section VI]
5. Support economic incentives encouraging land owners to control invasive plants.
6. Utilize all media and the PSA process for notice of public hearings.
7. Support existing programs, such as SOS's Sanctuary Steward Certification Program. [See Sect. IV above]
8. Continue to support the intent of the Endangered Species, Clean Air, & Clean Water Acts and their improvement toward their goals of maintaining healthy ecosystems.

H. Promote Ecotourism

1. Arrange periodic "inspiration tours' of well-managed wildlands for interested individuals
2. Support linkage between Pajaro Valley ecotourism and agro-tourism.
3. Support the SCC Conf. &Visitors Council's promotion of our region as the 'Gateway to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.'
4. Support the SC Harbor's stated intention to identify the boat access as the 'Gateway to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary."

VI. Useful Resources & References:

• Bali Tree Ecosystem, P.O. Box 2910, Santa Cruz, CA 95063-2910; Fax: (408) 421-9223; Email: bali@cybermax.net (tree planting & topsoil production for sustainable food & fiber production).
• California Biodiversity Council, c/o Resources Agency, 1416 - 9th St., #1311, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel: (916) 653-5656; Help Desk: (916) 227-2677 (communication betw. local, state, & federal; recommends policy; newsletter.).
• California Coastal Commission: Area office: (408) 427-4863; 725 Front St., Ste. 300, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Headquarters: (415) 904-5200; 45 Fremont St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105-2219; Tel: (800)COAST-4-U; Web: "http://ceres-ca.gov/coastalcomm/web/indes.htn-il," (works with public & private agencies to organize and clean up specific areas of coastline 4 times a year: 'Adopt-A-Beach Program" + published 1996 Marine & Coastal Educational Resources Directory).
• California Department of Fish & Game - Patrol Captain, (408) 649-2870.
• California Department of Parks & Recreation, Santa Cruz District, 600 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 429-2850; (Fax) 429-2876 (offer interpretive programs at SCC beach & mountain state parks).
• California Native Plant Society (CNPS) – 1722 J Street, Ste. 17, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel: (916) 447-2677 Web: http://www.calpoly.edu/-dchippen/cnps-main.html Local chapter: P.O.Box 1622, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (408) 429-7487, Grey (conducts a variety of educational programs & conservation efforts focused on long-term protection and preservation of the native flora in its natural habitat; also cataloging of species within SCC).
• California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG), UCSC, Student Center, Box 6, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; Tel: (408) 459-4649 (a watchdog student run non-profit org. working on a variety of environmental issues; sponsored WaterWatch program.
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast, Exec. Officer: (805) 549-3147.
• Campaign to Save Pajaro Valley Wetlands & Farmlands, P.O. Box 1413, Freedom, CA 95019; (408) 471-9915.
• Central Coast Wilds, 114 Liberty St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, josh Fodor, Tel: (408) 459-0656; Fax- 457-1606; Web: "http://www.centralcoastwilds.com" (California native plants & seeds, botanical consulting, and restoration planning).
• Citizens For Responsible Forest Management, P.O. Box 1075, Aptos, CA 95001; Betsy Herbert, (408) 662-2905; (working with the County to hold CDF to the legal amount of cuts on SDSF, and has been active in the legal system to stop some of the most abusive THP's in the County).
• City of Santa Cruz Dept. of Planning & Community Development, Tel: (408) 429-3555, Ken Thomas; 809 Center, St. Rm 206, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
• Coastal Watershed Council, 204 Laguna St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 426-9012; Email: rsh@cruzio.com (a nonprofit org. committed to the preservation & protection of coastal watersheds through education and community outreach).
• Community Action Board's Natural Resources & Employment Program, Beth Dyer, Tel: (408) 462-4439; (provides low-income people with job training and employment in environmental enhancement and restoration projects).
• County of Santa Cruz, Senior Resource Planner & Watershed Mgr., Dave Hope, Tel: (408) 454-3096; 701 Ocean St., Rm. 406-B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
• EcoTopia/USA, 1315 Spring St., Santa Cruz, CA 9,5060; Paul Lee, Pres., Tel/Fax: (408) 426-8810; Web: http://www.ecotopia.org (working to promote Santa Cruz as an ecotourism destination),
• Earth First! - Santa Cruz chapter, P.O Box 344, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0344; Tel: (408) 425-3205 (hotline/VM).
• Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076; Tel: (408) 728-2822; Fax: 728-1056; Email: SKimple@ocean.nos.noaa.gov (one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in Calif., managed by the Ca. Dept. of Fish & Game & NOAA. The Elkhorn Slough Foundation assists with educational programs & research.)
• Environmental Council of Santa Cruz County, P.O. Box 1769, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, Mary Tsalis, Exec. Dir.; Tel: (408) 426-2286; Email: encouncl@cruzio.com (a non-profit organization working to protect, maintain, enhance, & restore the Santa Cruz environment; sponsor of Open Space Alliance; also sponsors periodic environmental networking evenings so that various groups can share with each other and the public).
• Environmental & Ecological Services, Steven W. Singer, 218 Nevada St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel/Fax: (408) 427-3297; Email: SWSingerMS@aol.com (consultations on soil, erosion control, biology, & land mgmt.).
• Friends of the North Coast, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (deals with the threats to the largest parcel on our coast, the 7,300 acre Coast Dairies land).
• Greenpeace, 1112 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 429-9988 (a "rainbow" coalition educating the public about environmental issues, lobbying, & stimulating non-violent actions).
• Institute for Sustainable Forestry, P.O.Box 1580, Redway, CA 95W; Tel: (707) 923-4719.
• Long Marine Laboratory, UCSC, 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 459-4308; Fax: 459-3383; Email: sjreal@cats.ucsc.edu; Web: http://www.ucsc.edu/mb//bnl/ (provides public education programs which focus on marine research underway at the lab).
• Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085; Tel: (408) 648-4867; Fax: 648-7960; Web: http://www.mbay.org (a world renowned marine education facility that interprets the 10 major marine habitats found in the Bay with exhibits that focus on marine biodiv., ecology, and local wildlife adaptations).
• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 299 Foam St., Ste. D, Monterey, CA 93940; Tel: (408) 647-4201.
• Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Program, 825 Big Creek Rd., Davenport, CA 95017; Tel: (408) 458-3095; (a nonprofit org. working to restore and enhance native salmon & steelhead trout populations to historic levels through stream restoration projects and a hatchery program).
• National Wildlife Federation, 1400 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20036-2266; Tel: (202) 797-6800; Legislative Hotline: (202) 797-6655; Web: www.nwf.org/prog/habitats; (educates & acknowledges efforts to garden for wildlife").
• Native Animal Rescue Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, P.O Box 1001, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1001; Located at: 119 Getchell, S,C.; Tel: (408) 462-0726.
• National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 (The City USA Program).
• Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, 333 Lake Ave., Ste. H, Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; Tel: (408) 459-9346; Email: psfr@pelagic.org; Web: "http://www.pelagic.org" (research & education group).
• Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Services, 701 Ocean St., Rm. 312, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 454-2022, Steven Schneider, Hazardous Materials Program Mgr..
• Santa Cruz County Planning Department, Environmental Services, 701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 195060; Tel: (408) 454-3127, Ken Hart.
• Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District (SCCRCD), 3233 Valencia Ave., Ste. B-6, Aptos, CA 95003; Tel: (408) 688-1562, Rich Casale or Sharon Corkrean (a public agency that helps people manage land, water & related natural resources through public workshops, publications, technical assistance, and coordinated efforts with other local agencies, units of government and organizations).
• Santa Cruz County Sanctuary Inter-Agency Task Force, 701 Ocean St., Ste 520, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; Tel: (408) 454-3412, Susan Pearlman (formed in '94 to study the sanctuary and ways to tap into its tourism, recreation, and educational potential).
• Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council, (408) 427-3297, Steve Singer; P.O. Box 7422, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (working on 'Ecological Assessment of Biodiversity in the Santa Cruz Mountains." Operating expenses are funded in part by the Sempervirens Fund).
• Santa Cruz Rainforest Action Network, (408) 425-4482, (direct action & ed'l outreach re. forest protection).
• Save Our Shores & Marine Sanctuary Center (SOS), 2222 East Cliff Dr., #5A, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; Tel: (408) 462-5660; Fax: 462-6070; Email: sos@cruzio.com; Web: 'http://www@human.com/sos/' (a volunteer-based nonprofit org. formed in 1978 dedicated to preserving the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, working in the areas of education, policy research and advocacy, and citizen action. SOS maintains a hotline: 800-9-SHORES; all calls are dispatched to the appropriate agency for response and resolution).
• Save-The-Redwoods League, 114 Sansone St., Rm. 605, S.F., 94104; Tel: 415-362-2352.
• Save the Gray Whale Parklands, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (408) 429-6166.
• Seed Dreams, 231 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (408) 458-9252 (preserving heirloom seeds and Native American horticulture).
• Sempervirens Fund, Drawer BE, Los Altos, CA 94023-4054; Tel: (415) 968-4509 (advocate for Big Basin and Castle Rock state parks through land purchase, restoration, and maintenance).
• Scotts Valley Citizens for Responsible Growth, P.O.Box 6621, Scotts Valley, CA 95067; VM: (408) 457-7299, Carole Kelley, Email: SVCRG@aol.com (working to protect pristine Scotts Valley areas, including wetlands, from development).
• Sierra Club - Santa Cruz Regional Group, P.O. Box 604, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; Tel: (408) 426-4453. (a nonprofit environmental org., dedicated to the preservation and protection of the earth's wild places).
• Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF), 4750 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel, CA 95073; Thom Sutfin, Forest Mgr; Tel: (408) 475-8643.
• Surfrider Foundation - Santa Cruz Chapter, P.O. Box 3203, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; Tel: (408) 476-7667; Fax: 476-1196 (all volunteer, nonprofit environmental conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our waves and beaches through local activism, education, and research).
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3233 Valencia Ave., Ste. B-6, Aptos, CA 95003; Tel: (408) 688-1562; Fax: 685-3602 (provides information and assistance in areas of soils, water conservation, natural resource & watershed management, ag. land use, stream bank protection, and erosion & sediment control).
• Valley Women's Club, P.O. Box 574, Ben Lomond, CA 95005; Tel: (408) 338-6578, Nancy Macy, Director; (works to protect the environmental integrity of the San Lorenzo Valley in the areas of: Forestry, Community Education, Recycling, Clean-up, and is supporting a Sustainable Valley Campaign including "A Guide to Sustainable Living and Green Awards for businesses). VWC Environmental Committee: (408) 336-8725.
• Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary Research & Education Center, Coastal Route HC 67 Box 99, Monterey, CA 93940; Tel: (408) 624-1202; Email: VWS@wildbigsur.com (a nonprofit organization and sanctuary focusing on bird banding and research, habitat restoration, and environmental education projects).
• Watershed Institute, Cal State Univ. Monterey Bay - (408) 582-3688, Scott Hennessy, Director.
• Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW), 28 Arbolado Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076; Chris Johnson-Lyons, (408) 724-2198; Jim & Ellie Van Houten, 684-1861 (working to preserve & promote the wetlands in the Pajaro Valley area; serving as the watchdog for public policy & management practices that affect Pajaro wetlands, river, creeks, & lakes; sponsors restoration, education, recreation, & service projects; quarterly newsletter).
• Wildlands Restoration Team, 201 Valencia School Rd., Aptos, CA 95003; Tel: (408) 662-8323; Fax: 662-2390; Email: km@wildwork.org; Web: 'http://www.wildwork.org' (Ken Moore, Dir.) Hotline: (408) 662-3039 (a nonprofit org. sponsored in part by Sempervirens Fund & Calif. Dept. of Parks & Rec., consisting of volunteers who work to restore previously damaged native habitat on permanently protected public lands; removing invasive exotic plants from state parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1990).

Documentation Sources

1. Stuart Pimm, "The Future of Biodiversity," Science, 1995.

2. "Agenda for the Green Decade," Global Action Plan & Earth Day organizers, 1990.

3. "The Agreement on Biological Diversity," MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on California's Coordinated Regional Strategy To Conserve Biological Diversity, 1991.

4. "Measure C '95 Update of the Baseline Environmental Conditions."

5. Santa Cruz Mountains Biodiversity News, Vol. 3 No. 1, 1997.

6. State Board of Equalization records.

7. Oct., '94 NOAA Workshop.

8. "Agenda for the Green Decade," Global Action Plan & Earth Day organizers, 1990.

9. From U.S. Secretary of Interior, Bruce Babbit.

10. San Jose Mercury News, 12/22/95.

11. Taylor DeLaney, "Downstream Flood Attenuation & Water Quality as a Result of Constructed Wetlands," Journal of Soil & Water Conservation, Sept-Dec, '95.

12. Lester Brown, Christopher Flavin, & Hilary French, State of the World, 1997, Worldwatch Institute.

Contributors: Chairpersons Dean Rimerman & Betsi Sites, Steve Singer, Lisa Rudnick, Mark Vande Pol, Grey, Dennis P. Davie, Howard Liebenberg, Ted Jones, Deidre Kerwin, Kent Reeves, Dawn Pencovic, Robert LaRosa, Kathleen VanVelsor, Vicki Nichols, Frank Barron, Michael Shaw, Randall Morgan, Elizabeth Herbert, Jade Lovell, Julie Hendricks, Celia & Peter Scott, Mary Tsalis, Bonnie Hurd, Rich Casale, Josh Fodor, Fred McPherson, Thom Sutfin, Steve Butler, Dave Hope, Jerry Busch, & Chris Johnson-Lyon. (Compiled & final edit by Jeanne Nordland)