CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT 

ApPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLA

AND 

RECORD OF DECISION 

N 

April 2010 

United States Department of Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

Public Lands USA: Use, Share, Appreciate 
United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Bakersfield Field Office

 3801 Pegasus Drive

Bakersfield, CA 93308-6837

 (661) 391-6000

FAX: (661) 391-6143

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo.html

 April 5, 2010

Dear Interested Party: 

I am pleased to announce that, after several years of collaborative effort, the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument Resource Management Plan (CPNM Approved RMP) is complete. This document will 

provide guidance for the management of 206,635 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-

administered lands in CPNM in central California.

The attached Record of Decision (ROD) and Approved RMP have been prepared in accordance with the 

Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The document 

has been sent to members of the public who requested a copy and to pertinent local State, Tribal and 

Federal government entities. The ROD links final land use plan decisions to the proposed decisions and 

analysis presented in the Proposed RMP/Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Minor changes 

and points of clarification are described in the ROD, in response to staff review and issues raised in the 

public protest process. The protest review did not result in any significant changes to the Proposed Plan.

The ROD serves as the final decision for the land use planning decisions, described in the attached 

Approved RMP. The public had an opportunity to protest these decisions after the publication of the 

CPNM Proposed RMP/FEIS that was released on November 13, 2009, and subject to a 30-day protest 

period that ended on December 14, 2009. Three protest letters were received. These protests were denied 

by the BLM Director. 

The ROD also describes a set of implementation decisions (listed separately in Attachment 2) that 

identify initial management treatments in particular habitats and vegetative communities, identify 

wildland fire objectives and appropriate response levels, limit use on routes located in areas managed for 

wilderness characteristics, require permits for aerial sports (e.g., hang gliding, skydiving, hobby aircraft),

provide for guided tours at Painted Rock, and define the priority, framework, and evaluation/approval 

process for research projects within the CPNM. An appeal opportunity for these decisions is being 

provided at this time. The process is described in the ROD and at 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4, 

Subpart E. The appeal period will close 30 days from the date the Notice of Availability of the 

ROD/Approved RMP appears in the Federal Register. 

Additional hard copies and CD-ROM versions of the CPNM ROD/Approved RMP may be obtained at 

the address above. The document is available to all parties through the “Planning” page of the BLM 

national or California website (http://www.blm.gov) or by mail upon request. 

BLM would like to thank our managing partners, The Nature Conservancy and California Department of 

Fish and Game, for their cooperative efforts on this document. They have provided support and expertise 

to facilitate focusing the issues and developing alternatives to help resolve the many compelling resource 

concerns. They have also expressed their concurrence with the direction and guidance the CPNM 

Approved RMP provides over the next 10-15 years. The Monument Advisory Committee has volunteered 

countless hours to provide invaluable input and to encourage individuals and organizations to be involved 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT i 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Table of Contents

I RECORD OF DECISION

BLM Signature Page

Letter of Concurrence from Managing Partners

Decision ............................................................................................................................................. I-1 

Alternatives Including the Proposed Action ....................................................................................... I-1 

 Alternatives Analyzed in the RMP EIS................................................................................... I-1 

 Proposed Plan ................................................................................................................... I-2 

 Environmentally Preferable Alternative .................................................................................. I-2 

Management Considerations .............................................................................................................. I-3 

Mitigation Measures........................................................................................................................... I-4 

Plan Monitoring.................................................................................................................................. I-4 

 Implementation Monitoring .................................................................................................... I-5 

 Effectiveness Monitoring ........................................................................................................ I-5 

Public Involvement............................................................................................................................. I-6 

 

II APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

II.A Introduction............................................................................................................................II-1 

 II.A.1 Purpose and Need for the Plan ..................................................................................II-1 

 II.A.2 Planning Area and Map.............................................................................................II-1 

 II.A.3 Scoping Issues...........................................................................................................II-2 

 II.A.3.a Issues Addressed .......................................................................................II-2 

 II.A.3.b Issues Considered But Not Further Analyzed............................................II-3 

 II.A.4 Planning Criteria/Legislative Constraints..................................................................II-4 

 II.A.5 Planning Process .......................................................................................................II-5 

 II.A.5.a Relationship to BLM Policies, Plans, and Programs.................................II-5 

 II.A.5.b Collaboration.............................................................................................II-6 

 II.A.6 Related Plans.............................................................................................................II-8 

 II.A.7 Policy ........................................................................................................................II-8 

 II.A.8 Overall Vision ...........................................................................................................II-9 

 II.A.8.1 Mission Statement.....................................................................................II-9 

 II.A.8.2 Vision Statement .....................................................................................II-10

II.B Management Decisions........................................................................................................II-10

 II.B.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................II-10

 II.B.2 Use of Adaptive Management Process....................................................................II-10

 II.B.2.1 Use of CPNM Conservation Target Table for Adaptive Management ....II-11

 II.B.2.2 Use of the Conservation Target Table

 in Implementing RMP Objectives..........................................................II-12

 II.B.2.3 Incorporating Changes into the Conservation Target Table ....................II-12

 II.B.3 RMP Terminology ..................................................................................................II-13

 II.B.4 Biological Resources...............................................................................................II-14

 II.B.4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................II-14

 II.B.4.1.1 Use of Ecological Subregions .................................................II-16

 II.B.4.1.2 Use of Vegetation Management Toolbox................................II-16

 II.B.4.2 Goals.......................................................................................................II-16

 II.B.4.3 Objectives and Management Actions......................................................II-18
TABLE OF CONTENTS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT ii 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

 II.B.4.3.1 All Wildlife and Vegetation Resources...................................II-18

 II.B.4.3.2 Rare Plants..............................................................................II-18

 II.B.4.3.3 Native Plants...........................................................................II-19

 II.B.4.3.4 Nonnative Plants.....................................................................II-20

 II.B.4.3.5 Core Area Threatened and Endangered Animals.....................II-21

 II.B.4.3.6 Non-Core Area Threatened and Endangered Animals ............II-22

 II.B.4.3.7 Native Ungulates.....................................................................II-22

 II.B.4.3.8 Viable Populations of Animals................................................II-24

 II.B.4.3.9 Avian Species..........................................................................II-25

 II.B.4.3.10 Nonnative Animals and Captive-Held Native Animals.........II-27

 II.B.4.3.11 Habitat Structure Diversity....................................................II-28

 II.B.4.3.12 Linkage .................................................................................II-28

 II.B.4.3.13 Riparian Areas.......................................................................II-28

 II.B.4.3.14 Soda Lake .............................................................................II-29

 II.B.4.3.15 Vernal Pools and Sag Ponds..................................................II-29

 II.B.4.3.16 Research and Inventory.........................................................II-30

 II.B.4.3.17 Fire........................................................................................II-30

 II.B.4.3.18 Protected Land ......................................................................II-30 

 II.B.5 Fire and Fuels Management ....................................................................................II-31

 II.B.6 Air Quality ..............................................................................................................II-34

 II.B.7 Soils ........................................................................................................................II-35 

 II.B.8 Water Resources......................................................................................................II-36

 II.B.9 Wild and Scenic Rivers...........................................................................................II-38

 II.B.10 Geology and Paleontology ......................................................................................II-39

 II.B.10.1 Goals.......................................................................................................II-39

 II.B.10.2 Objectives and Management Actions......................................................II-39

 II.B.10.2.1 Protection and Preservation...................................................II-39

 II.B.10.2.2 Public Education and Interpretation ......................................II-40

 II.B.10.2.3 Paleontological Resources Scientific Research .....................II-40

 II.B.10.2.4 San Andreas Fault/Soda Lake/Geological

 Formation Research .............................................................II-41

 II.B.11 Cultural Resources..................................................................................................II-42

 II.B.11.1 Goals.......................................................................................................II-43

 II.B.11.2 Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Uses..........................II-43

 II.B.11.2.1 General Cultural Resources Protection ................................II-43

 II.B.11.2.2 Painted Rock........................................................................II-46

 II.B.11.2.3 At-Risk Archaeological Resources ......................................II-48

 II.B.11.2.4 Rock Art Protection .............................................................II-48

 II.B.11.2.5 Public Education, Interpretation, and Archiving ..................II-49

 II.B.11.2.6 Ranching/Farming Machinery and Equipment.....................II-49

 II.B.11.2.7 Historic Ranching and Farming Buildings and Structures ...II-50

 II.B.12 Visual Resources.....................................................................................................II-50

 II.B.13 Wilderness Study Areas and Other Lands with Wilderness Characteristics............II-53

 II.B.14 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern ...............................................................II-54

 II.B.15 Livestock Grazing ...................................................................................................II-55

 II.B.16 Recreation and Interpretation ..................................................................................II-57

 II.B.16.1 Use of Recreation Management Zones....................................................II-57

 II.B.16.2 Goals.......................................................................................................II-61

 II.B.16.3 Primitive Zone Objectives, Management Actions, 

 and Allowable Uses.................................................................................II-61
TABLE OF CONTENTS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT iii 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

 II.B.16.4 Backcountry Zone Objectives, Management Actions, 

 and Allowable Uses.................................................................................II-62

 II.B.16.5 Frontcountry Zone Objectives, Management Actions, 

 and Allowable Uses.................................................................................II-63

 II.B.16.6 Monument-Wide Objective and Management Actions............................II-64

 II.B.17 Administrative Facilities .........................................................................................II-67

 II.B.18 Travel Management.................................................................................................II-68

 II.B.18.1 Travel Management Terms .....................................................................II-69 

 II.B.18.2 Goal.........................................................................................................II-70

 II.B.18.3 Network-Wide Objectives, Management Actions, 

 and Allowable Uses.................................................................................II-70

 II.B.18.4 Backcountry Zone Objective and Allowable Use....................................II-71

 II.B.18.5 Frontcountry Zone Objectives, Management Actions, 

 and Allowable Uses.................................................................................II-71

 II.B.19 Minerals..................................................................................................................II-72

 II.B.19.1 Goals.......................................................................................................II-72

 II.B.19.2 Objectives and Management Actions......................................................II-73

 II.B.19.2.1 All Mineral Exploration and Development ...........................II-73

 II.B.19.2.2 Existing Oil and Gas Leases..................................................II-73

 II.B.19.2.3 Other Minerals (Solids).........................................................II-75

 II.B.19.2.4 Private Mineral Estate (Use of BLM Surface 

 for Private Mineral Activities) .............................................II-75

 II.B.19.2.5 Geophysical Exploration.......................................................II-76

 II.B.20 Lands and Realty.....................................................................................................II-76

 II.B.20.1 Goals.......................................................................................................II-76

 II.B.20.2 Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Uses..........................II-77

 II.B.20.2.1 Land Tenure ..........................................................................II-77

 II.B.20.2.2 Realty Actions and Utility Corridors.....................................II-78

 II.B.21 Research Management ............................................................................................II-79

II.C Public Involvement ..............................................................................................................II-83

II.D Management Plan Implementation.......................................................................................II-83

II.E Plan Evaluation/Adaptive Management ...............................................................................II-83

III AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

III.A Introduction.......................................................................................................................... III-1 

III.B Biological Resources............................................................................................................ III-2 

 III.B.1 Ecological Subregion Descriptions ......................................................................... III-2 

 III.B.2 Wildlife .................................................................................................................. III-6 

 III.B.3 Vegetation ............................................................................................................ III-22

III.C Fire and Fuels Management ............................................................................................... III-32

 III.C.1 Wildland Fire Suppression .................................................................................... III-32

 III.C.2 Prescribed Fire and Non-Fire Fuels Treatment...................................................... III-33

III.D Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... III-33

III.E Soils................................................................................................................................... III-34

III.F Water Resources ................................................................................................................ III-34

III.G Wild and Scenic Rivers...................................................................................................... III-35

III.H Climate .............................................................................................................................. III-35

 III.H.1 Local Climate........................................................................................................ III-35

 III.H.2 Climate Change in the Action Area....................................................................... III-36
TABLE OF CONTENTS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT iv 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.I Geology and Paleontology ................................................................................................. III-38

 III.I.1 Regional Topography............................................................................................ III-38

 III.I.2 Geology................................................................................................................. III-38

 III.I.3 Paleontology.......................................................................................................... III-39

III.J Cultural Resources............................................................................................................. III-40

 III.J.1 Prehistoric Resources............................................................................................ III-40

 III.J.2 Native American and Ethnographic Resources ..................................................... III-40

 III.J.3 Historic Resources ................................................................................................ III-41

 III.J.4 Carrizo Plain Rock Art Discontiguous District ..................................................... III-42

 III.J.5 Additional Sites with National Register Eligibility ............................................... III-43

III.K Visual Resources................................................................................................................ III-43

III.L Wilderness Study Area and Other Lands with Wilderness Characteristics......................... III-44

III.M Areas of Critical Environmental Concerns......................................................................... III-45

III.N Livestock Grazing.............................................................................................................. III-46

 III.N.1 Introduction and Applicable Regulatory Framework ............................................ III-46

 III.N.2 Historic and Current Grazing Authorizations........................................................ III-47

 III.N.3 Grazing Studies and Vegetation Management....................................................... III-47

 III.N.4 Livestock Management Facilities.......................................................................... III-47

III.O Recreation and Interpretation ............................................................................................. III-47

 III.O.1 Recreation Activities............................................................................................. III-49

 III.O.2 Interpretation and Education ................................................................................. III-51

III.P Public Safety and Emergency Services .............................................................................. III-52

 III.P.1 Emergency Response ............................................................................................ III-52

 III.P.2 Valley Fever.......................................................................................................... III-52

III.Q Travel Management ........................................................................................................... III-53

 III.Q.1 Area Highway Access................................................................................................ III-53

 III.Q.2 Road Conditions within the CPNM............................................................................ III-53

 III.Q.3 Road Maintenance...................................................................................................... III-54

III.R Minerals ............................................................................................................................. III-54

 III.R.1 Private Mineral Estate within the Monument ........................................................ III-54

 III.R.2 Mineral Resources within the Monument.............................................................. III-54

III.S Lands and Realty................................................................................................................ III-56

 III.S.1 Acquisition History and Current Land Status........................................................ III-56

 III.S.2 Manager Partner Coordination on Realty Issues.................................................... III-57

 III.S.3 Existing Federal Withdrawals ............................................................................... III-57

 III.S.4 Road and Utility Easements.................................................................................. III-58

 III.S.5 Other Rights-of-Way and Permits......................................................................... III-58

III.T Social and Economic Conditions ....................................................................................... III-58

 III.T.1 Current Social and Economic Context .................................................................. III-58

 III.T.2 Regional Demographics and Environmental Justice.............................................. III-61

 III.T.3 Local Economic Activity Affected by CPNM Management ................................. III-63

 III.T.4 Market and Commodity Values............................................................................. III-67

III.U Solid and Hazardous Waste................................................................................................ III-67

IV SUPPORTING MATERIALS

IV.1 References............................................................................................................................IV-1 

IV.2 List of Acronyms ...............................................................................................................IV-13
TABLE OF CONTENTS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT v 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

LIST OF TABLES

Table II.B.4-1: Vegetation Management Toolbox......................................................................II-17

Table II.B.4-2: Target Species and Their Ecological Subregions ...............................................II-22

Table II.B.16-1. Recreation Management Zones........................................................................II-58

Table III.S-1: Surface Land and Mineral Ownership in the Monument.................................... III-57

 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure II.B.4-1. Decision Tree for Management of San Joaquin Valley Target

 Species in Non-Core Areas...............................................................................II-23

ATTACHMENTS

 1 Monument Proclamation

 2 Implementation Decisions 

 3 Standard Operating Procedures and Implementation Guidelines for Projects Affecting the

 Biological Environment

 4 Minerals Standard Operating Procedures / Best Management Practices / Implementation

 Guidelines and Conditions of Approval

 5 Conservation Target Table

 6 Management of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

 7 Supplementary Rules for Public Use

MAPS

Map 2-1: Vicinity Map

Map 2-2: Physical Features and Planning Area Boundary

Map 2-3: Painted Rock Exclusion Zone

Map 2-4: Recreation Management Zones and Route Designations

Map 2-5: Lands Managed for Wilderness Characteristics

Map 2-6: Livestock Grazing Allocations

Map 3-1: Carrizo Plain Subregions

Map 3-2: Special Status Animals

Map 3-3: Pronghorn and Elk Habitat

Map 3-4: Special Status Plants

Map 3-5: Fire Protection Providers

Map 3-6: National Register of Historic Places.

Map 3-7: Grazing Allotments

Map 3-8: Visitor Services and Recreation

Map 3-9: Oil and Gas Wells within the Carrizo Plain National Monument

Map 3-10: Producing Oil Fields in the Carrizo Plain National Monument

Map 3-11: Land Ownership Status

Map 3-12: Land Status and Withdrawals

Map 3-13: Infrastructure

 
w 

RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Decision

This Record of Decision (ROD) culminates an eight-year public planning process for management of the 

Carrizo Plain National Monument (CPNM). After considering public comments, best available scientific 

and technical information, and results of consultation with federal and state agencies, state and local 

governments, and tribal government, it is the decision of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to approve 

the CPNM Resource Management Plan (Approved RMP) for the management of the public lands in the

CPNM that are administered by the Bakersfield Field Office. The Approved RMP replaces relevant 

decisions in the Caliente RMP (BLM 1997). 

The Approved RMP was prepared under the authorities of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act

(FLPMA) of 1976 in accordance with BLM planning regulations (43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

Part 1600). An environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared in compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to consider this decision. The Approved RMP adopted here is 

nearly identical to the Proposed Plan (Alternative 2) presented for public review and protest in November. 

Specific management decisions and guidance for public lands within the Monument are presented in the 

Approved RMP attached to this ROD. All decisions covered by the ROD are either land use planning

decisions that were protestable during the November 13, 2009 to December 14, 2009 protest period in 

accordance with the land use planning regulations (43 CFR Part 1610), or implementation decisions that 

may be appealed in accordance with Department of the Interior regulations at 43 CFR Part 4. Attachment 

2 to this ROD/Approved RMP lists the implementation decisions that are subject to appeal at this time.

Alternatives Including the Proposed Action

Alternatives Analyzed in the RMP EIS

Four alternatives, including a No Action Alternative, were analyzed in the Proposed RMP / Final EIS. 

The alternatives were developed using input and comments from public scoping meetings, written 

comments, and staffs of BLM and other collaborating and consulting partners. The four management 

alternatives developed for the CPNM RMP are summarized as follows: 

No Action Alternative (required by NEPA): Retained current management through guidance and 

direction from current policies and existing management plans (BLM 1996, 1997). 

Alternative 1 represented a more “hands off” approach to resource management, and provided for more 

limited public uses of the Monument. It focused on natural processes with minimal human interventions 

to stabilize fluctuations of wildlife and vegetation, except in instances where the populations are in 

jeopardy. No grazing would have been authorized. This alternative allocated the largest acreage to the 

“primitive” recreation zone and management for wilderness character. A smaller road network would 

have been open for public vehicle use. Access to rock art sites would not have been permitted, and only

minimal interventions to stabilize or restore historic and prehistoric sites from natural decay would occur. 

Alternative 2 (Proposed RMP) represented an approach that incorporates elements of the other 

alternatives as well as some unique elements to provide for protection of the Monument’s resources while 

allowing for compatible public uses. It included a moderate acreage for wilderness character management 

and a mix of active biological restoration and hands-off approaches in different areas of the Monument. 

Recreation use and rustic improvements were focused along the Soda Lake Road corridor, with the 

remainder of the area providing for dispersed opportunities. It provided for a transition to grazing for 
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-2 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

vegetation management only, access to Painted Rock by permit and guided tour, and stabilization or 

restoration of priority historic sites.

Alternative 3 represented the most active approach to management and provided for a broader array and 

higher levels of public use and access while still retaining the overall rustic, undeveloped character of the 

Monument. It included more intensive resource management and restoration actions for lands that have 

been impacted by past use. Only the existing Caliente Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) would 

have been managed for wilderness characteristics. It provided for active restoration of cultural sites, a 

higher emphasis on environmental education programs and facilities linked to significant cultural and 

natural resources, and continued management of grazing for forage production while meeting the 

Monument’s biological and cultural resource objectives. 

Proposed Plan

The Preferred Alternative of the Draft RMP / Draft EIS was modified to incorporate comments received 

during the 90-day public comment period. The resulting alternative became the Proposed Plan in the 

Proposed RMP/Final EIS. Through minor changes and clarifications in response to the protests received 

on the Proposed RMP / Final EIS, the Proposed Plan is now the Approved RMP, which is attached to this 

ROD. In the most comprehensive manner, the Approved RMP is designed to respond to each of the issues 

and management concerns recognized during the planning process. BLM determined that the decisions 

presented under Alternative 2 provide the most effective balance of protection and restoration of the 

objects of the Proclamation, while allowing for a variety of compatible public uses. 

Environmentally Preferable Alternative

Alternative 2, the Approved RMP, is considered by BLM to be the environmentally preferable alternative. 

The U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has defined the environmentally preferable alternative 

as the alternative that will promote the national environmental policy as expressed in Section 101 of 

NEPA. This section lists the following goals for all federal plans, programs, and policies: 

• Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding 

generations; 

• Ensure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing 

surroundings;

• Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or 

safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences;

• Preserve important historical, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage and maintain, 

wherever possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety of individual choice;

• Achieve a balance between population and resource use that will permit high standards of living and a 

wide sharing of life’s amenities; and

• Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of 

depletable resources.

In comparison with the other alternatives analyzed, Alternative 2 best meets these NEPA goals for the 

future management of the CPNM. It provides a high level of protection of natural and cultural resources, 

while providing for activities that accommodate public education, visitor use, and economic activities in a 

manner consistent with resource protection and the recognition of valid existing rights. This alternative 

acknowledges that the more isolated areas of the CPNM will be managed to preserve their remoteness and 
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-3 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

maintain wilderness characteristics. At the same time, it provides appropriate access to areas of relatively 

high use and along major travel corridors to ensure that a range of recreational activities is available. 

Overall, Alternative 2 best meets the requirements of Section 101 of NEPA and was thus selected as the 

environmentally preferable alternative.

The No Action Alternative would have retained current management direction, which would have

retained the current number of motorized vehicle access routes, retained the current level of visitor access 

to sensitive cultural sites, continued to manage only the existing Caliente Mountain WSA to maintain 

wilderness characteristics, and continued livestock grazing for forage production. For these reasons, the 

No Action Alternative is not preferable from an environmental perspective. 

Alternative 1 represented the alternative with the most “hands off” management. It has the fewest miles of 

access and designated routes, has the most acres of lands managed to maintain wilderness characteristics, 

and would have eliminated livestock grazing from public lands. Although this is the most “natural” 

management alternative, it does not provide for proactive cultural or biological resource management. 

Consequently, Alternative 1 was not selected as the environmentally preferable alternative because lack 

of vegetation management would have moderate to major detrimental impacts on wildlife species that are 

objects of the Monument Proclamation. 

Alternative 3 represented the alternative with the most active approach to management, the maximum 

human use/influence, the most recreation opportunities, and only the existing Caliente Mountain WSA 

being managed maintain wilderness characteristics. This alternative proposed proactive restoration of 

species and cultural sites with a higher emphasis on environmental education programs and facilities 

linked to significant cultural and natural resources, and continued management of grazing for forage 

production. For these reasons, this alternative did not achieve the balance between resource protection and 

resource use that permitted enhancement of resource conditions and visitor experience.

Management Considerations

The Approved RMP is the optimum course of action for area management to protect, enhance, and restore 

the biological, geologic, paleontological, scenic, and cultural resource objects of the Proclamation while 

allowing for a variety of compatible scientific, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. 

Management decisions in the form of goals, objectives, and associated allowable uses have been adopted 

for all resources programs in the CPNM. The decisions in the Approved RMP meet the purpose of the 

CPNM and comply with Presidential Proclamation 7393. 

It most effectively accomplishes the overall objectives of protecting and restoring the Monument’s 

resources and values, while facilitating compatible public uses as described in the Proclamation. It

identifies moderate acreage for wilderness character management and a mix of active biological 

restoration and hands-off approaches in different areas of the Monument. Recreation use and rustic 

improvements would be focused along the Soda Lake Road corridor, with the remainder of the area 

providing for dispersed opportunities. It provides for a transition to grazing for vegetation management 

only. Allows access to Painted Rock by permit and guided tour, and stabilizes or restores priority historic 

sites. The Approved RMP results in overall negligible to minor adverse impacts to resources and, through 

the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs), stipulations in contracts, and best management practices

(BMPS), these impacts will be further reduced. 

It best addresses the diverse community and stakeholder concerns in a fair and equitable manner by 

responding to increasing demands for recreation on BLM-administered lands, while adhering to 
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-4 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

FLPMA’s mandate for multiple use management and sustained yield of renewable resources. Where 

recreational activities that could be inconsistent with protecting Monument values (such as use of nonstreet licensed motorized vehicle use) could be accommodated on other BLM-administered lands in the 

Bakersfield Field Office, these activities were excluded from the Monument.

It also responds to travel management and access issues by designating areas as limited or closed, and 

identifying routes to be closed, available for continued use, or available for authorized use only. No areas 

are designated as open in compliance with the Monument Proclamation. A travel management plan for 

the Monument will be completed within two years from the date of this ROD.

It provides the most workable framework for future management of the CPNM through the application of 

an adaptive management strategy. 

Mitigation Measures

The Approved RMP has incorporated the mitigation measures designed to avoid or reduce impacts within

the management actions and supporting information in the Proposed RMP / Final EIS appendices. All 

practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm while still meeting the goals, purpose and 

need requirements for the proposed plan have been adopted. The Approved RMP would result in overall 

negligible to minor adverse impacts to resources through the use of SOPs, stipulations in contracts, and 

BMPs; therefore, a mitigation and a monitoring program as defined in 40 CFR 1505.2(c) is not required. 

More specific measures related to resource uses (such as oil and gas leasing and development, grazing 

administration, and others) are described in Attachment 3 (Standard Operating Procedures and 

Implementation Guidelines for Projects Affecting the Biological Environment) and Attachment 4 

(Minerals Standard Operating Procedures / Best Management Practices / Implementation Guidelines and 

Conditions of Approval). At the implementation level of decision making (such as when processing an 

Application for Permit to Drill) if the action will have the potential to affect Proclamation objects and 

other biological resources, the measures included in Attachment 3 will be applied as necessary to 

minimize project effects. The measures in both Attachments 3 and 4 will be refined to be site-specific by 

an interdisciplinary team and applied, as appropriate, in the subsequent site-specific NEPA process.

Plan Monitoring

As the Approved RMP is implemented, BLM expects that new information gathered from field 

inventories and assessment, research, other agency studies, and other sources will update baseline data or 

support new management techniques and scientific principles. To the extent that such new information or 

actions address issues covered in the Approved RMP, BLM will integrate the data through a process 

called plan maintenance. BLM planning regulations (43 CFR 1610.4-9) call for monitoring RMPs on a 

continual basis and establishing intervals and standards based on the sensitivity of the resource to the 

decisions involved. CEQ regulations implementing NEPA state that agencies may provide for monitoring 

to assure that their decisions are carried out and should do so in important cases (40 CFR 1505.2(c)). 

Plan implementation also includes the use of an adaptive management strategy. As part of this process, 

BLM will review management actions and the Approved RMP periodically to determine whether the 

objectives set for the CPNM in this and other applicable planning documents are being met. Where they 

are not being met, BLM will consider appropriate adjustments. Where BLM considers taking or 

approving actions that would alter or not conform to the overall direction of the Approved RMP, BLM 
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-5 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

will prepare a plan amendment and environmental analysis in making its determination and in seeking 

public comment.

Implementation Monitoring

Implementation monitoring, known by some agencies as compliance monitoring, is the most basic type of 

monitoring and simply determines whether planned activities have been implemented in the manner

prescribed by the Approved RMP. As such, implementation monitoring documents BLM’s progress 

toward full implementation of the land use plan decision. There are no specific thresholds or indicators 

required for this type of monitoring, but progress toward plan implementation will be evaluated and 

reported at a five-year interval from the date of plan approval. Aspects of effectiveness monitoring would 

also be addressed in the evaluation.

Effectiveness Monitoring

Effectiveness monitoring determines if the implementation of activities has achieved the desired future 

conditions (that is, goals and objectives) set forth in the Approved RMP. Effectiveness monitoring asks 

the following question: “Was the specified activity successful in achieving the objective?” Answering this 

question requires knowledge of the objectives established in the Approved RMP as well as indicators that 

can be measured. Indicators are established by technical specialists to address specific questions and 

avoid collecting unnecessary data. Success is measured against the benchmark of achieving the goals and 

objectives (that is, desired future conditions) established by the Approved RMP, which may include 

regulated standards for resources such as endangered species, air, and water. The interval between these 

efforts will vary by resource and the expected rate of change, but effectiveness monitoring progress will 

generally be reported to the Monument manager on an annual basis. These reports will include trends and 

conclusions, when appropriate, and be incorporated into the five-year evaluation reports.

The management actions detailed in the Approved RMP include numerous measures that constitute a 

comprehensive monitoring program covering all of the Monument’s resources. Monitoring will focus on 

evaluating the effectiveness of the RMP in managing and protecting the resource values of the area. 

Monitoring of biological resources will address species needs and will ensure BLM complies with any 

terms and conditions specified by the USFWS during ongoing consultation under Section 7 of the 

Endangered Species Act. Until the process is completed, BLM will adhere to the terms and conditions 

from the existing Caliente RMP Biological Opinion dated March 31, 1997 (Number 1-1-97-F-64); 

Carrizo Plain Natural Area Biological Opinion dated February 1, 1996 (Number 1-1-95-F-149); and the 

Carrizo Plain Natural Area Grazing Biological Opinion dated July 5, 1994 (Number 1-1-93-F-70) 

(USFWS 1994, 1996a, and 1997). The monitoring program for biological resources is a dynamic 

program. Based on periodic reviews of the quality of the data collected and the usefulness of the data, it 

will be amended as necessary.

BLM will monitor the Approved RMP to determine whether the objectives set forth in this document are 

being met and whether applying the land use plan direction is effective (see the Approved RMP). If 

monitoring shows land use plan actions or BMPs are not effective, BLM may modify or adjust 

management without amending or revising the Approved RMP as long as assumptions and impacts 

disclosed in the analysis remain valid and broad-scale goals and objectives are not changed (see the 

Approved RMP). Where BLM considers taking or approving actions that will alter or not conform to 

overall direction of the Approved RMP, BLM will prepare a plan amendment or revision and 

environmental analysis of appropriate scope.
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-6 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

 

Public Involvement

 

Within the Carrizo Plain, there was a long history of ongoing public involvement and support in the 

acquisition of lands and management of the area before it was formally designated as a National 

Monument. The Monument Proclamation recognizes this existing planning history. The initial Notice of 

Intent for the current planning process was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2002. A revised 

Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2007, when the planning effort was 

changed from an EA to an EIS level of analysis. The joint CPNM RMP development and EIS process 

involves the following steps:

 

• Scoping – The scoping process is intended to identify issues and concerns from the public, other 

agencies, and organizations to frame the scope of the RMP and environmental analysis. BLM 

conducted formal scoping for the CPNM RMP from April 12 to June 12, 2007. The results of this 

process are contained in the scoping report. 

 

• Draft RMP/EIS development – The Draft RMP/EIS was the product of an interdisciplinary team 

effort to develop and analyze an array of potential alternatives for management of the CPNM that 

addressed the issues identified in scoping, the direction in the Monument Proclamation, and other 

laws and policies. The EIS also includes an analysis and comparison of impacts associated with 

implementing each of the various management alternatives. This process included several 

opportunities (in addition to the scoping period) for public input through the MAC. After each of 

these meetings, BLM incorporated recommendations from the Monument Advisory Committee 

(MAC) into the RMP. Similarly, the Native American Advisory Committee was briefed and input 

was incorporated into the draft. 

 

• Public comment on the Draft RMP/EIS – The 90-day public comment period on the Draft 

RMP/EIS, which began on January 23, 2009, gave the public an opportunity to review the Draft 

RMP/EIS and provide input on the alternatives and associated environmental analysis. As stated 

above, BLM received 15,580 comments on the Draft RMP EIS, including 15,485 submissions of 

three different form letters and 95 additional comment submissions from federal and state agencies, 

interest groups, and members of the public.

 

• Proposed RMP/Final EIS – The interdisciplinary planning team reviewed public, agency, and 

organization comments on the Draft RMP EIS and incorporated changes into the Proposed 

RMP/Final EIS. This document also included responses to public comments, identifying how they 

were addressed in the analysis and whether they resulted in any changes to the document. The Notice 

of Availability of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS was published in the Federal Register on November 

13, 2009, beginning a 30-day public protest period. The Proposed RMP/Final EIS contained 

responses to all substantive comments received on the Draft RMP EIS. BLM distributed copies of the 

Proposed RMP/Final EIS on request and made the document available on agency web site.

 

• Protest Review and Resolution – BLM received a total of three protest letters during the 30-day 

protest period for the Proposed RMP / Final EIS. Protesting parties were Bidart Bros., Sierra Club 

Santa Lucia Chapter, and a joint letter from Western Watersheds Project, Center for Biological 

Diversity, and Los Padres ForestWatch.

 

The BLM Director’s decisions on the protests are summarized in the Director’s Protest Resolution 

Report, Carrizo Plain National Monument Resource Management Plan, released on April 1, 2010. 

The Director denied all three protests. The Director concluded that the BLM California State Director 
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-7 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

followed the applicable laws, regulations, and policies and considered all relevant resource 

information and public input in developing the Proposed RMP.

The BLM Director resolved the protests without making significant changes to the Proposed RMP, 

though minor clarifications and changes to the text were made between the Proposed RMP / Final EIS 

and the Approved RMP. The Approved RMP clarified (1) the objective to protect the Monument’s 

vernal pool and sag pond habitats and (2) the application of the mitigation measures listed in 

Appendices O and P of the Proposed RMP / Final EIS (Attachments 3 and 4 to this ROD/Approved 

RMP), as appropriate, in the subsequent site-specific NEPA processes. 

After the ROD is signed, the BLM will develop a comprehensive Travel Management Plan that will 

include specific implementation decisions such as designation of roads, primitive roads, and trails. 

Evaluation of each route using the minimization criteria, criteria developed as part of the public 

scoping process, and other resource issue-responsive criteria will be documented in the administrative 

record with verification from the decision maker. The following tasks are identified work that will be 

done to complete the travel management planning process:

a) A map of roads, primitive roads, and trails for all travel modes and uses, including motorized, 

non-motorized, and mechanized travel.

b) Definitions and additional limitations for specific roads, primitive roads, and trails (defined in 

43 CFR 8340.0-5(g)).

c) Guidelines for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the system. This includes provisions for 

the development of a sign plan, education/public information plan, enforcement plan, 

monitoring plan, and application of engineering BMPs.

d) Indicators to guide future plan maintenance, amendments, or revisions related to the travel 

management network. 

e) Needed easements and rights-of-way (to be issued to BLM or others) to maintain the existing 

road, primitive road, and trail network providing access to private or public land.

f) Provisions for route decommissioning and rehabilitation of closed or illegal routes.

This site-specific analysis will tier to the plan-level analysis and expand the environmental analysis when 

more specific information is known. In addition, as required by NEPA, the public will be offered the 

opportunity to participate in the NEPA process for travel management planning.

• ROD/Approved RMP– Copies of this ROD and Approved RMP are available upon request and on 

the BLM web site, at the Bakersfield Field Office, and at the BLM California State Office in 

Sacramento.

• Appeal Procedures – Any party adversely affected by the proposed implementation decisions, as 

identified in Attachment 2 of this ROD and Approved RMP, may appeal within 30 days of 

publication of the Notice of Availability of this ROD and Approved RMP in the Federal Register. The 

appeal should state the specific implementation action(s) on which the decision is being appealed. 

The appeal must be filed with the Bakersfield Field Manager, at the following address:

Bureau of Land Management

Bakersfield Field Office

3801 Pegasus Drive

Bakersfield, CA 93308
RECORD OF DECISION

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT I-8 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

You may include a statement of reasons when the notice of appeal is filed, or you may file the 

statement of reasons within 30 days after filing the appeal. A copy of the appeal, statement of reasons, 

and all other supporting documents must also be sent to the Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior, 

2800 Cottage Way, Suite E-1712, Sacramento, CA 95825.

If the statement of reasons is filed separately, it must be sent to the Interior Board of Land Appeals, 

Office of Hearings and Appeals, 801 N. Quincy Street, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203. It is 

suggested that any appeal be sent certified mail, return receipt requested.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Chapter II. APPROVED RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.A Introduction

II.A.1 Purpose and Need for the Plan

The purpose of this planning effort is to complete an RMP to provide direction for CPNM management 

and land use, which protects the objects of the Monument Proclamation, meets other requirements of the 

Proclamation (as described in Section II.A.7), and is consistent with FLPMA and other applicable laws,

rules, and regulations. 

The need for the CPNM RMP is identified in the Monument Proclamation, which directs the Secretary of 

the Interior to “... prepare a management plan that addresses the actions, including road closures or travel 

restrictions, necessary to protect the objects identified in this Proclamation.” The Secretary in turn 

instructed the Director of BLM to “... review relevant management plans for the Monument to ensure 

consistency with the Proclamation.” Furthermore, the Secretary acknowledged that the Bakersfield BLM 

office had already prepared a management plan for the area: “The management plan for the Carrizo Plain 

has been developed over the last three years and sets in place many important management goals. That 

plan should be amended to ensure its consistency with the Proclamation.” Following the direction 

contained in the Monument Proclamation and additional guidance from the Secretary, BLM initiated an 

amendment process for the existing plan in 2003. However, it was later determined that an EIS-level 

RMP should be completed to direct management of the Monument. Completion of this comprehensive 

EIS-level RMP is the purpose of this current action.

The Caliente RMP (BLM 1997) was approved in May 1997 and currently provides general guidance on a 

landscape level for management of the CPNM. This CPNM Approved RMP replaces the management 

direction for the CPNM from the Caliente RMP. The decisions made in this RMP include establishing 

objectives and associated management actions to protect the Monument objects and to provide direction 

for other aspects of Monument management, including determining allowable public uses.

II.A.2 Planning Area and Map

The CPNM is located in California’s southern Coast Range, approximately 90 miles west of Bakersfield 

and 60 miles east of San Luis Obispo. Most of the area is in the eastern portion of San Luis Obispo 

County but it also includes small portions of western Kern County (see Map 2-1, Vicinity Map). The 

CPNM adjoins some of the most intensively managed agricultural lands and petroleum deposits in the 

U.S. and is less than 100 air miles from Los Angeles. However, the area remains relatively isolated and 

undeveloped, and retains an intact landscape character. Prominent features include the white alkali flats of 

Soda Lake, vast open grasslands, and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. The plain is home to diverse 

communities of wildlife and plant species including several listed as threatened or endangered. The area is 

culturally important to Native Americans. It is traversed by the San Andreas Fault, which has carved 

valleys and created and moved mountains. The CPNM is surrounded by several small, unincorporated 

communities, with larger population centers along the U.S. 101 corridor to the west and San Joaquin 

Valley to the east.

The planning area for the RMP includes all lands managed by BLM within the National Monument 

boundary. The decision area includes only BLM-administered lands and federal subsurface mineral 

estate; additional lands and interests purchased by BLM would also be managed under the guidance of 

this plan upon acquisition. The RMP does not apply to private or state/county lands or interests within the 

Monument (see Map 2-2, Physical Features and Planning Area Boundary). While the RMP will direct 

management of BLM-administered lands and federal subsurface mineral estate only, it has been 

developed in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and The Nature 

Conservancy (TNC) as managing partners. BLM and the partners have agreed through a Memorandum of 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-2 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Understanding to manage their respective lands within the Monument boundary in a complementary

fashion. 

The planning area includes the following acreages of surface ownership:

BLM lands: 206,635 acres

CDFG lands: 8,702 acres

Other state lands: 607 acres

TNC lands: 75 acres

Private lands: 30,798 acres

Total planning area: 246,817 acres

The following acreages of mineral estate ownership are contained within the planning area:

Federal government minerals: 115,418 acres

Other/private mineral ownership: 131,434 acres 

The plan includes recommendations for BLM to work with entities that manage areas or programs that are 

not under BLM’s jurisdiction but directly affect Monument management (such as county roads, tourism 

information programs, and hunting). However, final decisions regarding these actions rest with the 

appropriate agency or community government. 

II.A.3 Scoping/Issues

II.A.3.a Issues Addressed 

Planning themes or issues are defined as matters of concern or interest regarding resource management 

activities, the environment, or land uses that together serve to provide a framework for the RMP. The 

themes listed below were identified during scoping at the beginning of this planning process. Based on 

the scoping comments and public outreach process, the themes and priorities described below were 

identified to be addressed in and to help guide the planning process.

• Undeveloped character: Maintain the area’s undeveloped character. 

• Resource conservation and management: Restore and protect the area’s suite of San Joaquin Valley 

species and ecosystems.

• Wilderness values: Manage parts of the area that have wilderness characteristics to maintain those 

qualities.

• Access and travel management: Manage the road system to provide necessary access while 

minimizing impacts.

• Recreation development and facilities: Provide rustic facilities necessary for visitor enjoyment and 

protection of Monument resources.

• Vegetation management and grazing use: Limit grazing to use as a tool for protection and 

restoration of Monument ecosystems.

• Cultural and historic resources: Protect cultural and historic resources.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-3 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Oil and gas development impacts: Minimize impacts from potential oil and gas development within 

the Monument.

II.A.3.b Issues Considered But Not Further Analyzed

Several topics identified during the scoping process or by the planning team that are not addressed in the 

RMP/EIS are identified below. These issues are either beyond the scope of the planning effort, were not 

necessary to make a reasoned choice between alternatives and their relationship to the purpose and need 

for the RMP/EIS, or can be addressed through existing policy or other non-planning means. These items 

and the rationale for not addressing them are discussed in detail in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS:

 

• Use of lead bullets: Public concern was expressed regarding the effects of lead bullet use on condors 

and other species from lead poisoning after inadvertently eating the lead. This concern has been 

addressed through state action. 

• Ban oil and gas development/acquire private mineral rights: Many scoping comments requested 

that BLM bar any oil and gas leasing or drilling out of concern for possible environmental damage. 

The Monument Proclamation withdraws the Monument from future leasing. However, existing leases 

are considered to be valid existing rights and must be managed under the terms and conditions of 

those leases. Also, much of the Monument is underlain by private mineral estate. BLM can place 

protective stipulations on use of public lands to access these private mineral rights, but does not have 

the authority to prohibit access. 

• Issues relating to the community of California Valley: Several members recommended that BLM 

and other agencies should pursue management actions beyond the CPNM boundary to protect natural 

resource values within the Monument from pollution, wildlife impacts, and other adverse effects. 

BLM’s management authority only encompasses public lands administered by the agency. However, 

BLM will work with adjoining landowners, agencies, and county and community governments to 

pursue complementary management and protection strategies. The Proposed RMP/Final EIS includes 

an assessment of reasonably foreseeable off-site uses and their potential impacts on Monument 

resources.

• Grazing lease renewals: BLM has been directed by Congress to complete grazing lease renewals for 

all public lands by October 2009. However, this ROD was not completed until after that deadline and 

BLM does not have the discretion to delay the congressionally imposed deadline for grazing lease 

renewal. If necessary, grazing leases within the CPNM will now be amended so that they conform to 

the Approved RMP’s goals and objectives. Analysis of grazing lease renewals was not necessary to 

make a reasoned choice between alternatives for this plan since they could be amended or cancelled 

to reflect RMP direction once the ROD is signed.

• Adequacy of budget to implement RMP: The RMP is not a budget document, and alternative 

development is not based on specific funding projections. A strategy will be developed upon RMP 

completion that outlines priorities and opportunities for implementing plan actions. The level and 

speed of implementation will be based on numerous factors including the availability of both BLM 

and partnership funding, and specific policy and regulatory direction that guides budget priorities (for 

example, threatened and endangered species protection). 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-4 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Planning for lands adjoining the Monument and expansion of Monument boundaries: Enlarging 

or reducing the Monument boundary can only be accomplished by a Congressional act or Presidential 

proclamation and not through the RMP process. 

• Air to ground gunnery range (AGGR): Approximately 9,600 acres in the northern part of the 

Monument were used as the Soda Lake AGGR from 1943 to 1947. As with all former ranges, there is 

a potential for unexploded ordnance or chemical contamination. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

conducted two on-site surveys of the range. To date, no unexploded ordnance has been found, but 

chemical analysis showed soil and percolates contamination. Since these contaminants were found on 

federal lands, they are handled under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 

and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Department of the Army is the responsible party. None of these 

chemical concentrations are immediately hazardous to the public. This separate, ongoing process to 

make the area safe for the public is governed by CERCLA and is outside the scope of the RMP.

II.A.4 Planning Criteria/Legislative Constraints

Planning criteria identify the legal, policy, and regulatory constraints that direct or provide parameters for 

BLM to address planning issues and themes. Planning criteria are based on standards prescribed by 

applicable laws and regulations; agency guidance; analysis of information pertinent to the planning area; 

the result of coordination with the public, government agencies, and Native American tribes; and 

professional judgment. The initial CPNM RMP planning criteria were presented at the scoping meetings

for public input, and were also reviewed and revised based on input at subsequent MAC meetings.

• The plan decisions will recognize the CPNM’s primary importance as habitat for threatened and 

endangered species, rare natural communities, species recovery, and regional conservation.

• The plan will recognize the uniqueness of the CPNM as a significant undeveloped portion of the once 

vast San Joaquin Valley ecosystem as identified in the Proclamation, which is of crucial importance 

and provides the context for management.

• The plan will identify core geographic areas for endangered species population management and 

recovery. Within these core areas, endangered species habitat will be a management priority relative 

to other resources and uses. 

• The plan will recognize the importance of restoring and maintaining a mosaic of natural communities 

and successional stages to benefit the biodiversity inherent in the ecosystem. Plan decisions will 

emphasize an increase of native and indigenous species. 

• The planning process will involve Native American tribal governments and federally unrecognized 

Indian groups, councils, and families representative of the cultural region to provide strategies for 

protecting known traditional uses, cultural sites, and sacred places. 

• Public uses will foster an appreciation of and be consistent with the requirements of the Monument 

Proclamation to protect the objects of geological, archaeological, historical, and biological value 

within the Monument.

• BLM will continue to work cooperatively with CPNM managing partners (CDFG and TNC), the 

MAC, the Native American Advisory Committee, state agencies of the State of California, San Luis 

Obispo and Kern Counties, the USFWS, and other interested groups, agencies, and individuals. 

Public participation will be encouraged throughout the process.

• The RMP will continue to promote an already strong program of scientific research and resource 

monitoring on the Monument.

• The RMP will recognize the state’s responsibility to manage hunting within the Monument.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-5 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• The RMP will recognize valid and existing rights within the Monument. However, these rights will 

be reasonably regulated to protect the objects of the Monument Proclamation.

II.A.5 Planning Process

II.A.5.a Relationship to BLM Policies, Plans, and Programs

In addition to the primary direction provided by the Monument Proclamation, there is a broad range of 

federal laws and regulations that guide development of this RMP, including the following:

• Antiquities Act of 1906

• Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, as amended

• Federal grazing regulations at 43 CFR 4100

• Wilderness Act of 1964

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (BLM Organic Act), as amended

• Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended

• American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978

• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended

• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-601; 104 Stat. 3048; 25 

U.S.C. 3001)

• Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-134) (Recreational Fee Demonstration 

Program)

• 43 CFR 1610 (BLM planning guidance)

• Federal Register 68(151) 46684-46867 (Final Rule for designating critical habitat for vernal pool 

fairy shrimp and longhorn fairy shrimp)

• Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines. This RMP incorporates the Standards for Rangeland 

Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management developed by the Central California 

Resource Advisory Council and approved by the BLM California State Director and the Secretary of 

the Interior on July 13, 2000. The RMP includes objectives that are more site-specific and focused on 

specific aspects of the Monument Proclamation and CPNM ecosystem. However, all of these 

objectives meet or exceed the Rangeland Health Standards. 

• U.S. Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3270, Technical Guide, signed March 9, 2007 by 

Dirk Kempthorne (provides policy guidance and procedure for implementing adaptive management).

• Energy Policy Act of 2005

• Wilderness: Wilderness studies were completed for all BLM lands as a requirement under Section 

603 of FLPMA, and recommendations have been formally submitted from the President to Congress. 

Therefore, these decisions cannot be changed except by Congressional action. For the CPNM, 17,984 

acres are being managed as part of the Caliente Mountain WSA until Congress makes the final 

wilderness determination through legislative action.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-6 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Several BLM policy documents were used as guidance for this RMP. They include but are not limited to 

the BLM Planning Handbook H-1601-1; BLM Handbook H-8550-1, Interim Management Guidelines for 

Lands under Wilderness Review; BLM Handbook H-8410-1, Visual Resource Inventory; and BLM 

Manual 8100, Cultural Resources Management.

BLM has established the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) to protect some of the 

nation’s most remarkable and rugged landscapes. The system includes national conservation areas, 

national monuments, wilderness areas, WSAs, wild and scenic rivers, and national scenic and historic 

trails. The CPNM is included in the NLCS.

II.A.5.b Collaboration

II.A.5.b.i Intergovernmental, Inter-Agency, and Tribal Relationships

In developing this plan, BLM approached the USFWS regarding cooperating agency status. While the 

USFWS has been involved in the development of the RMP, the agency has chosen not to become a 

formal cooperating agency. The CDFG, a managing partner of the CPNM, has established cooperating 

agency status. Kern County and San Luis Obispo County, the two counties within which the CPNM lies, 

have not established cooperating agency status, but have members representing them on the MAC. 

Endangered Species Act Consultation

In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, BLM and USFWS collaborated on

evaluating potential impacts of listed species (both plants and animals) from activities potentially 

authorized during implementation of the CPNM RMP. BLM submitted a Biological Assessment to the 

USFWS on January 14, 2010. The USFWS issued their no jeopardy Biological Opinion (81420-2010-F0089) on April 2, 2010, which contained two reasonable and prudent measures: (1) BLM shall assess the 

effects of the implementation of the RMP on listed and proposed species over the life of the RMP, and (2) 

BLM shall use the most current information regarding listed species requirements and management 

practices. These reasonable and prudent measures, and the implementing terms and conditions contained 

in the Biological Opinion, will be implemented as part of the Approved RMP. 

State of California Consistency Requirements

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (Public Law 89-665). Under Section 106 of this law, 

consultation between BLM and the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) was 

initiated during the RMP scoping process in 2002. The SHPO was provided with copies of the Draft 

and Proposed RMPs, and submitted a comment letter supporting the RMP provisions related to 

cultural resources management. The SHPO identified only one concern related to access to the 

Caliente Mountain World War II (WWII) Lookout Tower. BLM confirmed in responding to this 

comment that access is available and that management or restoration of the site is not impacted by the 

current WSA designation. The SHPO sent a letter of concurrence with the “no adverse effect 

determination” for implementation of the Proposed RMP in February 2010.

• Governor’s Consistency Review. In accordance with FLPMA (Public Law 94-579) and with BLM 

planning regulations in 43 CFR 1610.3-2, BLM must identify any known inconsistencies with state or 

local plans, policies, or programs. BLM must also provide the Governor with up to 60 days in which 

to identify any inconsistencies and submit recommendations. BLM submitted the Draft RMP to the 

Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit (SCH 

#2009014005). No state agencies commented to the Clearinghouse, and the BLM received a letter of 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-7 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

confirmation that the RMP complied with state review requirements on December 17, 2009. No 

known inconsistencies have been identified, either by BLM or the Governor, for the RMP decisions.

Consultation with Native Americans

A charter agreement with the Carrizo Native American Advisory Committee was previously established 

to be inclusive of all Native American groups consisting of Chumash, Salinan, and Yokuts affiliations 

having regional cultural ties to the land in the Monument. Native American groups have a long history of 

collaboration with BLM in planning and managing cultural resources within the Monument and have 

played an integral role in development of this RMP. A letter inviting participation in the planning process 

was sent on June 19, 2007 to the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Rancheria, and Tule 

River Reservation. Personal telephone invitations were also extended. Consultation has continued 

throughout the RMP process. No comments from Native American groups (exclusive of individual

commenters that may potentially be affiliated) were received on the Draft RMP EIS.

II.A.5.b.ii Other Stakeholder Relationships

Managing Partners

BLM’s managing partners for the CPNM are CDFG and TNC. The Secretary of the Interior recognized 

that the managing partnership was key to the successful acquisition and restoration of much of the land 

that now encompasses the Monument. After the President signed the Monument Proclamation, the 

Secretary provided direction that BLM continue working with the managing partners in administering the 

area and update the Memorandum of Understanding guiding this collaborative relationship. 

The partners concur with the direction and guidance the Approved RMP provides for the Monument over 

the next 10 to 15 years. Final decisions regarding management actions on each of the partner’s lands still 

rest with the respective agency/organization. 

Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory Committee

The Secretary of the Interior directed BLM to establish a formal advisory committee, whose purpose is to 

advise BLM on management of the Monument. The MAC has been an integral part of the RMP process, 

serving as a conduit for additional public input and advising BLM during preparation of the document. 

The following groups are represented on the MAC: 

• The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors

• The Kern County Board of Supervisors 

• The Carrizo Native American Advisory Committee 

• The Central California Resource Advisory Council 

• Individuals or companies authorized to graze livestock within the Monument 

• Four members selected from, but not limited to, the following groups or organizations: dispersed 

recreational community; mechanized recreational community; academia, to represent educators with 

experience in a variety of sciences; recognized environmental or resource conservation organizations; 

minerals and energy resources community; cultural resource representative (local or regional); and/or 

private landowners adjacent to the Monument.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-8 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.A.6 Related Plans

BLM planning regulations require that RMPs be consistent with resource-related plans of other federal 

agencies, state and local governments, and Native American tribes, so long as those plans are also 

consistent with the purposes, policies, and programs of federal laws and regulations applicable to public 

lands. Other agencies’ plans relevant to the CPNM planning area include the San Luis Obispo, Kern, and 

Santa Barbara County General Plans. Other agency plans/programs include the following:

• Biological opinions from the USFWS – Caliente RMP Biological Opinion dated March 31, 1997 

(Number 1-1-97-F-64); Carrizo Plain Natural Area Biological Opinion dated February 1, 1996 

(Number 1-1-95-F-149); and the Carrizo Plain Natural Area Grazing Biological Opinion dated July 5, 

1994 (Number 1-1-93-F-70) (USFWS 1994, 1996a, and 1997). BLM initiated formal consultation 

pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act on January 14, 2010. The USFWS issued their 

no jeopardy Biological Opinion (81420-2010-F-0089) on April 2, 2010. 

• USFWS recovery plans for endangered species – Recovery Plan for the California Condor 

(USFWS 1996b), Recovery Plan for Upland Species for the San Joaquin Valley (USFWS 1998), and 

the Recovery Plan for the Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth (USFWS 1984).

This RMP is consistent with the applicable, officially approved resource-related plans of other federal 

agencies, state and local governments, and Native American tribes.

II.A.7 Policy

The CPNM was established by Presidential Executive Order on January 17, 2001 using authority under 

Section 2 of the Antiquities Act. The Monument Proclamation (see Attachment 1) followed years of land 

acquisition, planning, and a natural resource restoration effort led by the area’s managing partners: the 

BLM, TNC, and CDFG. Prior to its establishment as a National Monument, the area was managed under 

the Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan of 1996. Under National Monument status, the 

Monument Proclamation calls for development of a new management plan, as follows: “The Secretary of 

the Interior shall prepare a management plan that addresses the actions, including road closures or travel 

restrictions, necessary to protect the objects identified in this proclamation.” This Approved RMP 

represents the culmination of an eight-year process completed to meet that mandate. This is the first 

comprehensive planning process since the original Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan was 

completed in 1996. 

This Presidential Proclamation provides the primary direction for management of the area and 

development of this RMP. Under the Proclamation, BLM is directed to protect the objects for which the 

Monument was designated.

Summary of Proclamation Objects and Management Direction

Biological Objects

Flora and fauna characteristic of the San Joaquin Valley 

region

The migratory birds, cranes, curlews, and mountain 

plovers that use Soda Lake

Habitat for the long-term conservation of the many 

endemic plant and animal species that inhabit the area

Populations of pronghorn antelope and tule elk

San Joaquin grassland ecosystem flora, including rare 

and sensitive plant species such as California 

jewelflower, Hoover’s woolly- star, San Joaquin woollythreads, pale-yellow layia, forked fiddleneck, Carrizo 

peppergrass, Lost Hills saltbush, Temblor buckwheat, 

recurved larkspur, and Munz’s tidy-tips

Endangered, threatened, and rare animal species such as 

San Joaquin kit fox, California condor, blunt-nosed 

leopard lizard, giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope

squirrel, longhorn fairy shrimp, and vernal pool fairy 

shrimp
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-9 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Geological and Paleontological Objects

Soda Lake, which encompasses the largest remaining 

natural alkali wetland in southern California The Caliente Formation, which is host to abundant and 

diverse terrestrial fossil mammal remains and fossils of 

mollusks, pectens, turitellas, and oysters The San Andreas Fault and its spectacular exposures of 

fault-generated land forms

Human History Objects

Bedrock mortar milling features, village middens, and 

elaborate world-class pictographs that are the primary 

manifestations of prehistoric occupation

Features from European expeditions and settlement, 

including artifacts and structures from livestock 

ranching, farming, and mining activities

In addition to protecting the objects listed above, the Proclamation directs that:

 All federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of the Monument are withdrawn from all 

forms of disposition under the public land laws, including the mining laws, other than by exchange 

that furthers the protective purposes of the Monument;

 All motorized and mechanized vehicle use off road is prohibited, except for emergency or authorized 

administrative purposes;

 Lands and interests in lands within the proposed Monument not owned by the United States shall be 

reserved as a part of the Monument upon acquisition of title thereto by the United States;

 A management plan shall be prepared that addresses the actions, including road closures or travel 

restrictions, necessary to protect the objects identified in this Proclamation;

 The establishment of this Monument is subject to valid existing rights;

 The Proclamation does not change the jurisdiction of the State of California with respect to fish and 

wildlife management;

 Subject to valid existing rights, a quantity of water is reserved sufficient to fulfill the purposes for 

which this Monument is established

 Laws, regulations, and policies followed by BLM in issuing and administering grazing permits or 

leases shall continue to apply with regard to the lands in the Monument.

FLPMA supports the Proclamation and provides a framework for the BLM’s land use planning process. 

Land use plans for public lands managed by BLM are referred to as RMPs. RMP decisions establish goals 

and objectives for resource management as desired outcomes, and the measures needed to achieve these 

goals and objectives as management actions and allowable uses.

II.A.8 Overall Vision

II.A.8.1 Mission Statement

The Mission Statement is a focused summary of the Monument Proclamation and serves as the guiding 

principle for management of the CPNM and will not change over time. The Vision Statement provides for 

management strategies that will help accomplish the Mission. Both the Mission and Vision were 

developed to implement the January 2001 Presidential Proclamation that established the CPNM. The 

Proclamation cited the following as the purpose of the CPNM: protect the largest undeveloped remnant of 

San Joaquin Valley grassland ecosystem, providing for the long-term conservation of the endemic plant 

and animal species; a refuge for endangered, threatened and rare plant and animal species, as well as 

important populations of pronghorn antelope and tule elk; Soda Lake, the largest remaining alkali wetland 

in Southern California; geologic processes and the San Andreas fault; significant fossil assemblages; and 

archaeological and cultural resources.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-10 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The mission within the CPNM is to protect and enhance the indigenous species and natural communities, 

within a dynamic and fully functioning ecosystem; conserve the unique geologic, paleontologic, scenic,

and cultural resources; and provide opportunities for compatible scientific, cultural, educational, and 

recreational activities.

II.A.8.2 Vision Statement

The vision is to cooperatively employ management strategies that conserve the integrity of the CPNM as 

an ecological system and natural landscape with its full array of natural and cultural features.

The management of the CPNM should protect and enhance the full spectrum of physical and chemical 

processes necessary to support indigenous species, biological diversity, and ecological function and 

processes within the natural range of variation.

II.B Management Decisions

II.B.1 Introduction 

This section describes the decisions approved in the ROD for the CPNM RMP, otherwise known as the 

Approved RMP. It includes land use planning decisions and administrative actions that will be 

implemented over the life of the RMP. The decisions listed here are the same as those in the Proposed 

RMP, except for changes in syntax to reflect that the actions are now formal decisions, to clarify the 

objective to protect the CPNM’s vernal pool and sag pond habitats, and to clarify the application of the 

mitigation measures listed in Attachments 3 and 4, as appropriate, in subsequent site-specific NEPA 

processes. Otherwise both documents are the same and may be used interchangeably. 

II.B.2 Use of Adaptive Management Process

Secretary of the Interior Order Number 3270 calls for BLM and other Department of the Interior agencies 

to incorporate adaptive management principles into management plans and programs. The Secretarial 

Order also directs that Adaptive Management: The U. S. Department of the Interior Technical Guide

(USDI 2007) be used as the technical basis for implementing adaptive management programs. 

Adaptive management recognizes that ecosystems are very complex and understanding of their processes 

and responses to management actions is limited. Thus, the greatest hurdle to overcome in implementing 

effective restoration and other management actions is uncertainty regarding their effectiveness. Adaptive 

management acknowledges that there are incomplete data when dealing with natural resources, and that 

through continued research and monitoring of management practices, new information will be collected. 

This new information is evaluated, and a determination is made whether to adjust the strategy accordingly 

to improve success in meeting plan objectives. 

As the Technical Guide points out, adaptive management is only warranted when all of the following 

criteria can be met:

• There is a need to take action in the face of uncertainty.

• There is an opportunity to apply learning.

• The objectives of management are clear. 

• The value of reducing uncertainty is high.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-11 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Uncertainty can be expressed in a set of competing testable models.

• A monitoring program design can be put in place with a reasonable expectation of reducing 

uncertainty.

The CPNM meets all of these parameters, and an adaptive approach to managing the area is already being 

implemented by the managing partners. The area is a complex and highly variable ecosystem with natural 

conditions that have been altered by past land uses. Although considerable research and monitoring has 

been implemented in the area, there is still a relatively high level of uncertainty about the effects of 

various management treatments for values such as restoring endangered species habitat or increasing 

native plant cover. This RMP contains clear objectives for management outcomes or “desired future 

conditions” of the various resources in the Monument. The RMP also lists a suite of initial actions that 

will be taken in an effort to restore and manage ecosystems to meet the RMP objectives. Some of these 

actions are listed within the plan itself, while others are contained in the Conservation Target Table 

(Attachment 5). Monitoring is an important component of RMP implementation and will be used to gauge 

the effectiveness of actions at achieving objectives. BLM recognizes the need to develop and implement a 

monitoring plan as soon as possible. The Bureau will work with the managing partners, stakeholders, and 

the scientific review committee to adopt an initial monitoring and adaptive management plan within three 

years. While the first priority will be to develop monitoring objectives, field protocols, and evaluation 

methods for the endangered species core areas, the managing partners will subsequently develop 

monitoring strategies for the wide variety of conservation targets in the Monument. Also, the RMP calls 

for continued support of scientific studies and outside review of resource management programs. These 

two types of actions will serve as a feedback loop so that managers can evaluate the effectiveness of 

actions in achieving plan objectives and learn/adjust as needed. 

In summary, this RMP is structured so that the managing partners can continue to apply adaptive 

management principles within the framework of the Technical Guide. Adaptive management applications 

are used most extensively in the Biology program. However, other programs such as Recreation and 

Cultural Resources Management will make use of adaptive management principles as described in those 

respective sections. Note that adaptive management does not give managers an open book to implement 

any action deemed necessary to meet plan objectives. If a proposed approach is outside of the scope of the 

analysis conducted in the NEPA process for the RMP, additional environmental documentation, including 

a possible RMP amendment, would be required. 

II.B.2.1 Use of CPNM Conservation Target Table for Adaptive Management

Several resource management programs (Biology, Livestock Grazing, and Fire) refer to a Conservation 

Target Table to describe specific aspects of management program implementation. This table 

(Attachment 5) has been developed as an integral part of an adaptive management approach to guide 

implementation of objectives in this RMP for the protection and benefit of the natural communities and 

featured species (listed species, large native ungulates, and plant or animal species receiving management 

emphasis). The objectives listed in the table are derived from and fully support the objectives described in 

this RMP. The objectives in the table are linked to RMP objectives by showing the associated RMP 

number(s). The table identifies important ecological factors that influence the health, abundance, and 

distributions of the natural communities and featured species. This is accomplished by identifying: (1) the 

important habitat or population parameters that influence the target communities or species, (2) the 

specific habitat or population indicators or variables to be monitored, (3) the measurable attributes for 

these variables, (4) the values of these variables that will trigger management actions, and (5) the 

recommended management actions or prescriptions that may influence habitat suitability or population 

demographics needed to maintain the target’s health, abundance, and distribution goals. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-12 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The elements in the table are developed using the best available information obtained from published 

literature, unpublished reports, monitoring data from within the Monument and other similar habitats, 

other locations with the range of the featured species, and professional experience/opinion among staff 

with direct experience in the Monument.

II.B.2.2 Use of the Conservation Target Table in Implementing RMP Objectives

The Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5) will provide detailed implementation-level direction for

adaptive management in the Monument. The monitoring of the management actions and their effects to 

the conservation targets will occur in the following manner:

• The conservation targets (vegetation communities, plant and animal featured species populations, 

demographics and distributions) will be monitored.

• The variables for the management objectives will be gauged in relation to the desired values of the 

variable. For example, a certain patch size would be the value for the variable of shrub cover.

• Recommended management prescriptions or actions and constraints to actions (ranging from the 

hands-off treatments to the applied treatments of prescribed fire, livestock grazing, mechanical or 

chemical control, and human activities), would be evaluated by monitoring the management objective 

variables in relation to the implementation of the prescription.

• Changes in the management variables among the actions or constraints would determine the 

management effects. For example, an increase in the number of tadpoles (variable) in known ponds 

would measure the effect of an action to protect spadefoot toads.

• As monitoring data are evaluated, the information will be used to determine the success of the 

management actions or constraints in meeting the specific conservation targets and the related RMP 

objectives. 

• The evaluations and new knowledge about the conservation targets and the management effects 

would be used to inform future management actions and decisions so that they best meet the 

associated RMP objectives. 

The Conservation Target Table will also be used to describe where or under what conditions in the 

Monument actions should be employed to best meet RMP management objectives. The basic unit for 

management is currently at the pasture level, the boundaries of which originated with historic ownership 

or usage. As needs for species are identified and management actions defined, pasture boundaries would 

be adjusted to reflect the ecological parameters of the species and enable the level of management needed. 

As a companion to the Conservation Target Table, a pasture management table or matrix will be 

developed to inform managers where the Conservation Targets are currently relevant based on presence 

or absence within a pasture. This pasture table or matrix will evolve with the changing pasture boundaries 

and the knowledge of the Conservation Targets over time and throughout the Monument. 

II.B.2.3 Incorporating Changes into the Conservation Target Table

The Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5) and associated Pasture Management Table are considered 

to be works in progress and will be updated as needed using adaptive management principles outlined in 

Adaptive Management: The U.S. Department of the Interior Technical Guide (USDI 2007) and authorized 

under Secretarial Order 3270. The elements of the tables will be subject to ongoing review by the 

managing partners (BLM, TNC, and CDFG), the scientific community, species experts, the MAC, the 

USFWS, and the public. Changes would be made to the management guidelines (actions or constraints) or 

the desired values for the indicator variables as new knowledge is gained about the natural communities, 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-13 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

the species, the ecological relationships, and management effects. This knowledge would be applied to 

ongoing and future management actions, thus “adapting” the management of the Monument to best meet 

RMP objectives using the best available information about the natural communities, featured species, and 

objects to be protected in the Monument.

Information or events that may trigger a change includes new literature, study results, more complete 

information, monitoring results, new species, unanticipated impacts, newly discovered population or 

habitat locations, or input from species experts. BLM will review the Conservation Target Table annually 

to determine if changes are appropriate. Information or events may trigger more frequent reviews. In

addition to the managing partners, BLM may solicit input from species or topic experts. Through 

consensus, BLM in cooperation with the managing partners may change the Conservation Target Table 

based on the review. The modified Conservation Target Table will be submitted to the BLM authorized 

officer for approval. The change would be implemented as soon as any required intermediate steps have 

been completed, such as NEPA analysis, publication of Federal Register notices, or consultation with the 

SHPO or USFWS. The Conservation Target Table in its most current form will be available to the public.

Changes in the management guidelines (actions or constraints) or the desired values for the indicator 

variables in the Conservation Target Table will normally not require an amendment to this plan, as they 

would only involve changing the way to reach the same RMP level decisions (objectives and actions). 

Changes to the conservation target management objectives would likely require a plan amendment as they 

would require updating the associated RMP-level objectives and land use allocations. Any changes would 

undergo appropriate technical review, and further NEPA analysis would be required if they are outside 

the scope of analysis of the RMP’s NEPA process. The Conservation Target Table is a work in progress 

and the ability of certain actions or suites of actions to meet plan objectives is uncertain for many 

resources. For this reason, plan objectives will always take precedence over Conservation Target Table 

objectives, thresholds, and other targets; that is, if an action in the Conservation Target Table is found to 

conflict with a plan objective, the Conservation Target Table would be modified accordingly.

II.B.3 RMP Terminology

RMPs are broad-scale land management plans that establish desired outcomes (goals and objectives) for 

management of public lands and identify the management actions and allowable public uses that will 

achieve those outcomes. More specific implementation-level decisions are typically made after the RMP 

is adopted, but in some cases they are identified during the RMP process and incorporated into the plan, 

especially when the plan covers a relatively compact geographic area such as a National Monument. For 

example, decisions about designating specific vehicle routes, which are implementation-level decisions, 

are part of the Approved RMP. 

Not all issues can be resolved in the general language of an RMP, instead requiring that more detailed 

implementation plans and NEPA analysis be developed to determine exactly how to reach desired 

conditions or to achieve a desired result. Prior to being initiated, all implementation actions will be 

subject to the appropriate level of NEPA review. Through this process, BLM will ensure the project is 

consistent with the Monument Proclamation and the management goals and objectives for the CPNM in

this RMP. In this Approved RMP, all of the goals, objectives, and management actions are given an 

alphanumeric identifier, such as “Goal BIO-1” to identify a specific goal under the Biological Resources 

program, “Objective VRM-2” identifying a specific objective under the Visual Resources Management 

(VRM) program, or “Action CUL-1” identifying a specific management action under the Cultural 

Resources Program. These designations will assist BLM in referring to specific goals, objectives, and 

management actions during the plan’s implementation. The numbering of the items in this Approved 

RMP is not sequential in all sections, since the numbers assigned to specific items from the Proposed 

RMP were retained for continuity throughout the planning process.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-14 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

In addition, each identifier is followed by either a “(P)” or an “(I)”, indicating whether the item is a planlevel or implementation-level item. Implementation decisions are subject to appeal to the Interior Board 

of Land Appeals. If an implementation-level decision has an asterisk (I*), it has not been analyzed at a 

level that would allow for direct implementation from the plan and additional environmental analysis 

would be completed prior to “on-the-ground” implementation. The Approved RMP also identifies support 

actions (S). These are actions that are included in the plan to provide context for plan decisions, but are 

not subject to NEPA analysis (for example, monitoring or inspection frequencies). 

Each of the plan, implementation, and support decisions are characterized in the plan as goals, objectives, 

management actions, and allowable uses. These are defined as follows:

Goals describe broad direction and desired conditions for each resource or resource use. Goals are 

derived from the Monument Proclamation, BLM policy guidance, and public scoping input.

Objectives describe more detailed outcomes or “desired future conditions” for different components of 

the resource or resource use that meet the overall goals. 

Management Actions describe efforts that CPNM managers anticipate taking to achieve the objectives 

(for example, prescribed burning, road decommissioning, monitoring), based on the best available 

information and technology at the time of plan development. As new information, technology, or 

practices become available or established, certain management actions may be added, modified, or 

discontinued to incorporate the best available science using an adaptive management approach. Any 

modified or new actions would be consistent with the plan objectives. Also, if new information shows 

that an action conflicts with an objective, than that action would be discontinued. In other words, the 

objectives take precedence over the actions in this adaptive approach. The adaptive management process 

was discussed in more detail in Section II.B.2 above.

Allowable Uses: For the use-oriented programs (grazing, recreation, travel management) the RMP also 

identifies allowable public uses and limitations on these uses.

Special Designations: RMPs also address special designations such as areas of critical environmental 

concern (ACECs) (administratively designated through RMP), and wild and scenic river suitability 

(analyzed in the RMP but requires Congressional action for formal designation).

II.B.4 Biological Resources

II.B.4.1 Introduction 

This section highlights management of biological resources including wildlife and associated habitat and 

vegetation. The CPNM Proclamation recognized the intrinsic values of the biological resources of the 

Monument area as objects to be protected under the designation. Specifically, the Monument 

Proclamation provides protection for the CPNM as the largest undeveloped remnant of the San Joaquin 

Valley ecosystem, providing crucial habitat for the long-term conservation of the many endemic plant and 

animal species that still inhabit the area. The Monument offers a refuge for endangered, threatened, and 

rare animal species such as San Joaquin kit fox, California condor, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant 

kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, longhorn fairy shrimp, and Kern primrose sphinx moth. 

Important populations of pronghorn antelope and tule elk have been reintroduced to the Monument. Rare 

and sensitive plant species, including California jewelflower, Hoover’s woolly-star, San Joaquin woollythreads, pale-yellow layia, forked fiddleneck, Carrizo peppergrass, Lost Hills crownscale, Temblor 

buckwheat, recurved larkspur, and Munz’s tidy tips occur on the Monument. The Monument was noted as 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-15 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

providing crucial habitat for the 

long-term conservation of the 

dwindling flora and fauna 

characteristics of the San Joaquin 

Valley. BLM is directed, pursuant 

to applicable legal authorities, to 

implement the protection of the 

objects identified above.

FLPMA and BLM policy direct the 

agency to manage habitat with an 

emphasis on ecosystems to ensure 

self-sustaining populations and 

natural abundance and diversity of 

wildlife, fish, and plant resources 

on public lands (BLM Manual 

Section 6500: Wildlife 

Management). BLM is further 

directed to maintain an inventory 

of wildlife, plant communities, threatened, endangered, and candidate species; support and carry out 

research necessary for proper and efficient management of wildlife and special status species; and 

monitor ongoing management actions and determine if habitat management objectives are being met. 

The federal Endangered Species Act requires BLM to use its authorities to further the purposes of the Act 

by carrying out conservation programs for listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend. BLM 

must ensure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued 

existence of any listed species. It is BLM policy that actions authorized by BLM shall further the 

conservation of federally listed and other special status species and shall not contribute to the need to list 

any special status species under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. In addition, it is BLM policy 

that the agency shall carry out management for the conservation of state-listed plants and animals. BLM 

will conserve state-listed plants and animals and use its authorities to further the purposes of the State of 

California rare and endangered species laws and apply such laws to BLM programs and actions to the 

extent that they are consistent with FLPMA and other federal laws.

The USFWS has developed the Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, California

(USFWS 1998). This plan identified the CPNM (previously known as Carrizo Plain Natural Area) as 

being one of several “Core Area of Natural Lands” targeted for protection. The Monument is listed as 

important for the conservation and recovery of California jewelflower, Hoover’s woolly-star, Jared’s 

peppergrass, Temblor buckwheat, San Joaquin woolly-threads, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant kangaroo 

rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, short-nosed kangaroo rat, Tulare grasshopper 

mouse, San Joaquin Le Conte’s thrasher, Lost Hills crownscale, and Munz’s tidy-tips. The San Joaquin 

Valley Recovery Plan also includes actions to maintain habitat linkages between the CPNM, western 

Kern County, and the Salinas Valley. The Monument is also important habitat for federally listed Kern 

primrose sphinx moth, longhorn fairy shrimp, and California condor.

Other federal laws that direct wildlife, plant, and habitat management on BLM lands in the Monument 

include the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978, the 

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and the Tule Elk Preservation Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-389).

The State of California, through the California Fish and Game Commission and CDFG, is responsible for 

managing wildlife populations and establishing hunting seasons and regulations. 

Photo 1: Native Grasses and Flowers (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-16 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.4.1.1 Use of Ecological Subregions

Section III.B.1 of Chapter III describes nine ecological subregions that were identified by the planning 

team based on similar geography and general ecological characteristics. These subregions provide a 

context for certain management prescriptions in the plan for managing biological resources. Please refer 

to Section III.B.1 and Map 3-1 (Carrizo Plain Subregions) for locations of and descriptive information on 

the subregions listed below: 

Caliente Foothills South

Caliente Foothills North

Carrizo Plain North

Carrizo Plain Central

Panorama Hills/Elkhorn Plain

Caliente Mountain North

Caliente Mountain South

Soda Lake

Temblor Range

II.B.4.1.2 Use of Vegetation Management Toolbox

To achieve a desired resource objective, it may be necessary to modify vegetation abundance, 

distribution, composition, and/or structure. Proposed examples include creating low structure in core 

areas, promoting forbs in pronghorn forage areas, pretreatment for restoration projects, elimination of 

thatch to promote wildflower displays, restoration of oak habitat, and weed treatments. The choice of 

whether to apply a vegetation management tool, or which tool to use, is based on existing conditions, the 

physical and biological processes at the site, the species targeted, the desired outcome, the type and 

influence of impacts, and the funding available. Following adaptive management practices such as these, 

efforts will be made so that the tool employed achieves the desired objective, with a minimum of negative 

impacts to other resources. Table II.B.4-1 describes the Vegetation Management Toolbox.

In summary, the term “vegetation management” as used in the RMP denotes any manipulation of 

vegetation to meet a specific plan objective for either wildlife or botanical resource management. In many 

cases, tradeoffs would be involved and a specific tool that benefits one resource would negatively impact 

another. Most commonly, treatments targeted towards for wildlife habitat restoration would negatively 

impact native vegetation within the treatment area. The RMP acknowledges these undesirable 

consequences/tradeoffs and includes protective and mitigating measures to maximize the beneficial 

effects to Monument resources while minimizing the negative impacts (for example, identification of 

threatened and endangered animal core areas for treatments, fencing, and monitoring). However, this 

would not completely eliminate negative impacts. As stated above, the RMP would be implemented using 

an adaptive management approach to further refine use of management tools to increase beneficial results 

while minimizing undesired effects. 

II.B.4.2 Goals

• Goal BIO-1(P): Manage the landscape to enhance the CPNM as a significant unique and undeveloped 

portion of the once vast San Joaquin Valley ecosystem (which is of crucial importance and provides 

the context for management).

• Goal BIO-2(P): Restore and maintain a mosaic of natural communities and successional stages to 

benefit the biodiversity inherent in the ecosystem, including ecological processes that sustain them. 

Manage resources to emphasize an increase of native and indigenous species.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-17 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Table II.B.4-1. Vegetation Management Toolbox

Tool Methodology / Rationale Possible Uses

Hand removal

Hand pulling, hoeing, and digging out targeted individuals or 

groups of plants.

Good for small and specific targets, problematic for largescale targets, and not effective against certain weed species 

(such as many perennial herbs).

Hand treatment to eliminate small weed 

populations, to control specific weed species, and 

to promote rare plants or restoration plantings by 

reducing competition from introduced plants.

Mechanical

Mowing, weed-whipping, cutting (chainsaw), brush removal, 

tarping.

Good for small to medium-scale targets, possible negative 

impacts to habitat by equipment (such as soil compaction, 

creation of disturbed soils, burrow collapse). Tarping good 

for small populations, but takes time to produce results.

Treatment of fuels for fire control. Removal of 

thatch build-up to achieve low-structure habitat in 

core areas and as pretreatment before restoration 

seeding. Cutting to remove exotic tree species and 

pruning shrubs and trees in campgrounds or 

around Monument facilities. Mowing to create 

temporary trails in grassland habitat and as 

maintenance around signs and other Monument 

infrastructure.

Burning

Flaming, controlled burns.

Good for small to large-scale targets, creates a mosaic of 

treatments across a landscape. Possible negative impacts to 

animals and fire-sensitive plants or if fire escapes project 

boundaries. Not effective against certain weeds.

Flaming specific weed targets and as a general 

weed treatment immediately before restoration 

seeding. Burning to remove thatch build-up to 

promote wildflower displays and forb production 

for pronghorn, to achieve low-structure habitat in 

core areas, and as a pretreatment for restoration 

seeding. Burning to remove excess tumbleweeds.

Grazing

Variables include type of livestock, timing and duration of 

treatment, stocking rates, and frequency.

Good for medium to large-scale targets, creates a mosaic of 

treatments across a landscape, is relatively cost-effective, and 

has a wide range of treatment variables. Potential negative 

impacts include damage to native plants, the introduction and 

spread of weeds, competition with native herbivores, damage 

to biological soil crusts, soil erosion, and damage to habitat 

(from soil compaction, creation of disturbed soils, burrow 

collapse, and others). It can be difficult to target use to 

achieve the desired effects. In some areas, trained goats have 

been used to remove biomass in large weed infestations. 

Remove biomass and thatch build-up to achieve 

low-structure habitat in threatened and endangered 

animal core areas. 

Herbicides

Spraying individual plants or populations, sometimes in 

conjunction with stump-cutting. Spraying specific project 

areas.

Good for small to medium projects, cost-effective weed 

control, essential for eradication of some problematical 

species. Negative impacts related to potential human and 

ecological exposures to chemicals.

Target spraying to eradicate or control exotic 

weeds. Area spraying to eliminate annual exotics 

immediately before restoration seeding or as a 

means to promote native species.

Seeding

Hand-seeding, seeding by equipment, planting plugs or 

individual plants, inoculation with cryptogamic crust species 

or mycorrhizae.

Good for small to large-scale projects.

Hand-seeding and planting small restoration 

projects or to introduce seed source islands within 

partially restored native habitat. Seeding with a 

range drill or other agricultural machinery for 

large-scale restoration of native species. 

Inoculation to restore cryptogamic crusts or help 

plant establishment.

Watering Supplemental water, drip irrigation

Supply water to increase success of restoration 

efforts, to enhance seed production, and for 

ornamental or historical plantings.

Biological control

Release of specific organisms on target populations.

Good for large-scale targets. 

Possible impacts if organism shifts to new host.

Release of biological control organisms to control 

widespread and relatively common nonnative 

species.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-18 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Goal BIO-3(P): Manage the CPNM in a manner that emphasizes its critical importance for threatened 

and endangered species conservation and recovery of rare natural communities, and conservation of 

the regional landscape.

• Goal BIO-4(P): Identify core geographic areas for endangered animal species population 

management and recovery. Within these core areas, endangered species habitat will be a primary 

management priority relative to other resources and uses. Tools to manage core areas will be chosen 

to achieve target endangered species objectives, while minimizing any negative impacts to other 

native organisms or important ecological processes. 

II.B.4.3 Objectives and Management Actions

II.B.4.3.1 All Wildlife and Vegetation Resources

Objective BIO-1(P): Design all projects to minimize adverse impacts to wildlife and vegetation.

Management Action: 

• Action BIO-1(P): Implement the 

SOPs contained in Attachment 3 

(SOPs and Implementation 

Guidelines for Projects Affecting the 

Biological Environment) and 

Attachment 4 (Minerals SOPs / 

BMPs / Implementation Guidelines 

and Conditions of Approval), as 

appropriate, in the subsequent sitespecific NEPA process for all project 

work on the Monument.

• Action BIO-2(S): When necessary, 

oil and gas related actions will 

require individual Section 7 

consultations. Programmatic 

consultation will not be used for oil 

and gas related actions.

II.B.4.3.2 Rare Plants

Objective BIO-2(P): Maintain and 

enhance viable populations of threatened 

and endangered and other rare plants on 

the Monument. Allow populations to 

naturally fluctuate (population size and 

distribution), due to natural influences, 

but minimize impacts from human 

activities and prevent populations from 

falling below critical levels. Protect rare 

plant populations and rare plant habitat 

from impacts due to actions associated 

with allowable uses authorized under the 

RMP.

Photo 2: California Jewelflower (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-19 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Management Actions

• Action BIO-3(S): Map populations of threatened and endangered and other rare plants on the 

Monument. Map potential rare plant habitat.

• Action BIO-4(S): Monitor to confirm continued presence of rare plant populations and status of 

pollinator communities. Identify rare plant habitat parameters, pollinators, and pollinator habitat 

(nesting sites, additional foraging areas, and others). Identify impacts to rare plant populations and 

associated pollinator communities.

• Action BIO-5(S): Support research that identifies and defines factors that influence population trends 

of target species. Support research on the biology/ecology of target species.

• Action BIO-6(I*): Protect rare plants and associated pollinator habitat. Manage rare plant populations 

and rare plant habitat as identified in the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5) and using tools as 

outlined in the Vegetation Management Toolbox. Protect vulnerable habitat by changing management 

prescriptions or management actions,such as removing weeds from rare plant habitat, relocating 

potentially damaging activities, restricting or eliminating grazing, and realigning or closing roads. 

• Action BIO-7(I): Design other management actions to avoid direct impacts. If a threat is observed, 

take action to protect the species or habitat. Reduce competition from weedy species. Modify, restrict, 

or prohibit livestock grazing to protect rare plant habitat. If necessary, fence known sites and adjacent 

suitable habitat to preclude damage (such as from illegal off-road vehicle activity). 

• Action BIO-8(I*): Promote seed bank recharge. Restore or establish populations in suitable habitats, 

including new population sites and in previously cultivated or degraded areas. Store germplasm with 

the Center for Plant Conservation national collection of endangered plants.

II.B.4.3.3 Native Plants

Objective BIO-14(P): Maintain, increase, and restore ecologically important plant communities and 

populations. Examples include native perennial grasslands, alkali sink, saltbrush scrub, upper Sonoran 

sub-shrub scrub, vernal pools, bulb plants, native grasses, annual and perennial herbs, wildflowers, 

biological crusts, Alvord and blue oaks, yuccas, saltbush, ephedra, and manzanita. 

Management Actions

• Action BIO-45(S): Map ecologically important plant communities and populations. For communities, 

follow nomenclature system developed by Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995). 

• Action BIO-46(I*): Monitor target plants and communities to determine status and trends. Identify 

potential and current threats. Initiate management actions to abate threats, increase populations of 

target species, and benefit native plant communities. Protect from negative impacts from livestock 

grazing. Control nonnative species. Manage select native plant resources and habitat as identified in

the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5). 

• Action BIO-47(S): Support research related to the management of CPNM plant communities and 

individual plant species. Initiate studies to define important community parameters and design 

threshold values for management actions. Support research on the biology/ecology of target species.

• Action BIO-48(I*): Maintain and restore plant populations and communities, especially in areas of 

degraded habitat (for example, previously cultivated fields). Supplement natural processes with an 

active restoration program. Include mycorrhizae and biological soil crust organisms in restoration 

actions. Use vegetation management tools as described in Table II.B.4-1, Vegetation Management 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-20 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Toolbox. Choose the tool that achieves the desired objective, with a minimum of negative impacts to 

other botanical resources (grazing would not be used as a tool for botanical resource restoration). 

• Action BIO-49(I*): Restore native herblands and grasslands by seeding with site-appropriate native 

species, including seeds or propagules of bulbs and other perennial herbs in the restoration of 

previously cultivated or degraded fields. Increase seed and other material for restoration by 

cultivating target species off-site under agricultural conditions. Work to limit wild pig and domestic 

sheep (trespass) damage to bulbs and herbaceous perennial plants.

• Action BIO-50(I*): Increase saltbush and other shrub communities by management and active 

restoration. Protect saltbush and other vulnerable shrub communities from fire. Restrict livestock 

grazing in saltbush and other shrub communities, unless evidence shows that management objectives

cannot be met in a less-impacting manner. Monitor to demonstrate that target biological objectives are 

accomplished and monitor to document impacts to shrub communities. Restrict livestock grazing in 

saltbush recruitment years. Work to minimize foraging of livestock on saltbush and other native 

shrubs. Establish new saltbush and shrub populations in appropriate sites. Seek to reestablish 

landscape water flow patterns (for example, alluvial fans disrupted by roads) to promote shrub 

recruitment. 

• Action BIO-51(I*): Restore blue and Alvord oak habitat and facilitate recruitment of new trees. 

Protect oak trees from detrimental impacts associated with livestock grazing or eliminate livestock 

grazing from oak habitat. Restore leaf litter mulch and soil functions beneath tree canopies and 

inoculate with mulch/soil organisms from healthy oaks. Establish new oak trees in areas previously 

shown to have trees and in other appropriate sites. Provide supplemental water if necessary to ensure 

recruitment success. Protect oaks from devastating fires.

• Action BIO-52(I*): Protect and restore vernal pool vegetation and crust communities in ecologically 

appropriate sites. Minimize negative impacts by livestock, horse, or human travel. Initiate studies to 

determine effects of livestock grazing on vernal pool vegetation and Carrizo crust communities and 

the feasibility of establishing/reestablishing vernal pools and crust communities in previously 

cultivated, grazed, or otherwise impacted areas. Work to restore crust communities.

• Action BIO-53(I*): Protect crust communities and other vulnerable moss and lichen populations. 

Monitor non-vascular plants to determine impacts of management actions. To protect sensitive sites, 

take actions such as redesigning project footprints, or restricting access and grazing. Protect rock 

outcrops that receive regular visitation. Take actions, such as education and signing, to prevent new 

trails that damage moss or lichen communities. 

II.B.4.3.4 Nonnative Plants

Objective BIO-21(P): Control the spread of nonnative weedy species (CDFA 2007, CDFA 2008, Cal-IPC 

2008) and other nonnative plants.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-81(I): Follow integrated pest management principles (BLM 1992). Each infestation will 

be evaluated as to the best control methods. Criteria include growth characteristics, seed production 

and dispersal, life history stage, size of infestation, difficulty of control, and previous control 

methods. Treatment will use the appropriate method(s), as identified in Table II.B.4-1, Management 

Toolbox. Monitor to determine effectiveness of control measures.

• Action BIO-82(I): Monitor to detect new nonnative populations and aggressively work to eliminate 

founder populations before they can spread.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-21 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-83(I): Work to eradicate target weed species such as yellow star thistle, bull thistle, 

tamarisk, hoary cress, and Russian knapweed. Control and eradicate tree-of-heaven and, for plantings 

that have cultural or biological importance, replace with native or historically acceptable non-invasive 

species. Work on landscape-wide methods for controlling widespread species such as Russian thistle 

and horehound. 

• Action BIO-84(I): On a landscape level, design and implement measures to suppress nonnative annual 

grasses and herbs. Seed with native species, as applicable.

• Action BIO-85(I): Implement measures to minimize the spread of weeds by livestock and equestrian 

activities (for example, encourage weed-free husbandry, prohibit cleaning of horse trailers on the 

Monument, encourage the use of weed-free hay, and monitor corrals and holding pens).

• Action BIO-86(I): Remove nonnative weeds and restore native vegetation to disturbed areas that were 

created by past grazing activities. These include areas around troughs, corrals, and other locations 

where intense livestock presence resulted in a replacement of native vegetation with nonnative 

species such as wild barley, bromes, mustards, cheeseweed, and horehound. 

II.B.4.3.5 Core Area Threatened and Endangered Animals

Objective BIO-3(P): Maintain and enhance viable populations within core areas of giant kangaroo rat, 

blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel. Within the core areas, 

allow the populations of these target species to naturally fluctuate up and down in terms of number and 

distribution, but initiate management actions when populations approach target minimums (population 

threshold values).

Management Actions

• Action BIO-9(I): Identify and map core areas for giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San 

Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel (core area species). Preliminary core areas are 

shown on Map 3-2, Special Status Animals. Focus habitat management for giant kangaroo rat, bluntnosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, and mountain plover on 

these core areas. Manage core areas so they provide a “safety net” to maintain viable populations in 

all years (within management capability) and to prevent core area species from disappearing from the 

Monument. Core areas are determined by having persistent populations of the core area species, 

having suitable habitat in most years, being of a size that can be effectively treated with vegetation / 

habitat management prescriptions when required, and being of a size that has a high likelihood of 

maintaining a viable population of the core area species when vegetation management is applied.

• Action BIO-10(I): Monitor populations to determine trends and further define minimum population 

threshold values to identify when to take management actions. If populations approach target 

minimums, initiate management actions depending on species’ characteristics and specific factors 

influencing population trends as identified in the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5).

• Action BIO-11(S): Support research that identifies and defines factors that influence population trends 

of target species. Support research on the biology/ecology of target species.

• Action BIO-12(I): Manage core area habitat to promote the more open, desert-like structure favored 

by the core area species. In those years when core area species populations are low and vegetation 

structure is above optimum, as identified in the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5), use the 

vegetation management tools included in the Vegetation Management Toolbox. 

• Action BIO-13(I*): Take measures to reduce mortality of target species, such as reducing vehicle 

strikes on roads within core areas, removing problem raptor perches, and maintaining escape cover.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-22 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-14(I*): Reestablish populations in core areas, if necessary, through translocation.

II.B.4.3.6 Non-Core Area Threatened and Endangered Animals

Objective BIO-15(P): Maintain viable populations of giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San 

Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel (target species) within the Monument, with emphasis 

on the subregions listed in Table II.B.4-2.

Table II.B.4-2. Target Species and Their Ecological Subregions

Caliente 

Mountain 

South

Temblor 

Range

Panorama 

Hills / 

Elkhorn 

Plain

Carrizo 

Plain 

Central

Carrizo 

Plain 

North

Soda 

Lake

Caliente 

Foothills 

South

Giant 

kangaroo rat X X X X X 

Blunt-nosed 

leopard lizard X X X X 

San Joaquin 

kit fox X X X X X 

San Joaquin 

antelope 

squirrel

X X X X X X 

Allow the populations of these target species to naturally fluctuate, in number and distribution, but take 

action to prevent populations from disappearing from the Monument. 

Management Actions

• Action BIO-54(S): Monitor populations to determine trends and further define minimum population 

threshold values. 

• Action BIO-55(I): If necessary to prevent target species populations from disappearing from the 

Monument, take action in non-core habitat as well as in core habitat as identified in the Conservation 

Target Table (Attachment 5). The decision to apply management outside the core area, and what type 

of management to use, would follow the logic outlined in Figure II.B.4-1. Specific management 

actions would be based on evaluations of core area populations, the effectiveness of current 

management, and whether target animal populations are responding to current management. 

• Action BIO-56(S): Encourage partnerships with private landowners within habitat areas to manage 

target populations and habitat in concert with BLM goals.

II.B.4.3.7 Native Ungulates 

Pronghorn

Objective BIO-16(P): Develop and maintain a CPNM herd of 250 pronghorn. Implement management 

actions to improve the quality of fawning and foraging habitat. 

Management Actions

• Action BIO-57(S): Support CDFG in efforts to monitor CPNM pronghorn populations via continuing 

aerial reconnaissance and habitat studies. Support CDFG in initiating new studies to determine 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-23 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Figure II.B.4-1. Decision Tree for Management of San Joaquin Valley Target Species in 

Non-Core Areas

• Assess core population of target species.

1b. Population is below a desired 

threshold value. 

1a. Population is above 

management threshold. No action 

needed.

2a. Re-evaluate core area boundaries. Core areas may need to be redrawn 

to accommodate new information or new climatic conditions. 2b. Apply management action to 

achieve desired ecological effect.

3a. Desired ecological effect is not achieved, re-evaluate 

management action. 3b. Desired ecological effect is 

achieved.

7a. Modify existing action to better 

achieve desired ecological effect. ► 

go back to 2b

7c. If needed to prevent 

target species from 

disappearing from the 

Monument, consider 

applying management 

actions outside core areas. 

► go back to 2b

7b. Try new action to achieve 

desired ecological effect. ► go 

back to 2b

4a. Target 

population 

is 

responding 

as desired.

4b. Target population 

remains low or 

continues to decline 

(not responding to 

ecological effect).

6b. If Monument-wide 

population is below 

acceptable parameters and 

there is potential for the 

species to disappear from the 

Monument, try new type of 

management, focusing on 

different ecological effect. 

Apply management actions in 

sites perceived to have the 

best chance of success, 

regardless of whether they are 

in or out of the core area. 

► go back to 2b

6a. If 

Monument-wide 

population is 

within 

acceptable 

parameters, try 

new type of 

management in 

core area, 

focusing on 

different 

ecological effect. 

► go back to 2b

5a. Core population 

recovers to desired 

parameters. No 

further action needed. 

5a. If Monumentwide population is 

below acceptable 

parameters and there 

is potential for the 

species disappearing 

from Monument, 

apply successful 

management outside 

core areas, if 

necessary.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-24 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

pronghorn diet, habitat use, population dynamics, and biology. Potential research tools include 

radiotelemetry, geographic positioning system (GPS) collars, and other monitoring equipment. 

• Action BIO-58(I): Maintain and improve areas of pronghorn fawning and foraging habitat in the 

Caliente Foothills North and Carrizo Plain North subregions adequate to support 250 pronghorn. 

Allow livestock grazing in key pronghorn habitat only as identified in the Conservation Target Table

(Attachment 5). 

• Action BIO-59(I*): Include shrubs, tall forbs, and perennial native grasses in restoration seed mixes to 

provide mosaic of forage resources, habitat structure, and adequate fawning cover (Carrizo Plain 

North). Promote forb production through vegetation treatments (for example, prescribed fire to 

remove accumulated dead annual grasses). Maintain critical natural and man-made water sources 

year-round. Provide supplemental feed only if necessary to maintain a viable population.

• Action BIO-60(I*): Promote herd travel across the landscape by modifying all fences to allow animal 

passage underneath. Realign or remove fencing as identified in the Conservation Target Table

(Attachment 5). 

• Action BIO-61(I*): Protect herd by measures to reduce vehicle collisions (for example, with speed 

limits, public education, and signs; by moving fences back from roads; by mowing road edges).

• Action BIO-62(P): Allow the introduction of pronghorn from other areas if necessary to achieve herd 

objectives, as long as CPNM habitat is adequate to support target population. 

Tule Elk

Objective BIO-17(P): Provide and improve calving and foraging habitat in the Monument adequate to 

support a CPNM-based herd of 500 tule elk. 

Management Actions

• Action BIO-63(S): Support CDFG in their efforts to monitor CPNM elk populations via continuing 

aerial reconnaissance and habitat studies. Support CDFG in their continuation of studies to determine 

elk diet, habitat use, population dynamics, and biology. Potential research tools include 

radiotelemetry, GPS collars, and other monitoring equipment.

• Action BIO-64(I*): Focus initial actions to maintain and improve areas of elk habitat in the Caliente 

Foothills North and Carrizo Plain North subregions. Allow livestock grazing in pastures identified as 

key calving and foraging habitat only as identified in the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5). 

Include shrubs, tall forbs, and perennial native grasses in restoration seed mixes to provide a mosaic 

of forage resources, habitat structure, and adequate calving cover. Maintain adequate acreage of tall 

grassland habitat within the Carrizo Plain North subregion and restore native bunchgrass communities 

in previously cultivated areas. Manage habitat to promote native forage species. Maintain critical 

natural and man-made water sources year round. 

• Action BIO-65(I*): Protect herd by measures to reduce vehicle collisions (for example, with speed 

limits, public education, and signs; by moving fences back from roads; by mowing road edges).

• Action BIO-66(P): Introduce tule elk from other areas if needed to achieve herd objectives as long as 

CPNM habitat is adequate to support target population. 

II.B.4.3.8 Viable Populations of Animals

Objective BIO-4(P): Maintain or increase viable populations of special status, declining, or unique 

species within the Monument. Maintain viable populations for species such as bats (in the Caliente 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-25 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Foothills North, Carrizo Plain Central, Caliente Mountain South, and Caliente Mountain North 

subregions), burrowing owls, fairy shrimp (in the Caliente Foothills South, Carrizo Plain Central, and 

Soda Lake subregions), spadefoot toads (in the Caliente Foothills South, Carrizo Plain Central, and Soda 

Lake subregions), sphinx moths (in the Caliente Foothills South and Carrizo Plain Central subregions) 

and Le Conte’s thrasher (in the Carrizo Plain Central and Panorama Hills/Elkhorn Plain subregions). For 

giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel, see 

the non-core area threatened and endangered animals objectives and management actions.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-15(S): Monitor populations and assess habitat quality and potential or actual threats. 

Examples: Periodically monitor known bat roosts to determine continued use. Periodically survey for 

burrowing owls. Check certain known locations for spadefoot toad reproduction and fairy shrimp 

presence when appropriate conditions exist. Collect information on water quality, shrimp and toad 

demographics, and other parameters. Survey for sphinx moth adults, larvae, and host plants when 

appropriate conditions exist.

• Action BIO-16(S): Support research and education on special status, declining, or unique species. 

Focus efforts on topics useful in formulating management actions and to promote conservation.

• Action BIO-17(I*): Manage habitat (vegetation and features) to provide suitable areas for essential 

activities such as roosting, nesting, aestivation, and reproduction of target species. Examples: Protect 

natural bat roosts, prolong the usefulness of important human-made roosts, and construct additional 

roosts. Protect important bat roosts by grates or other means to limit human disturbance. Ensure 

accessible water is available near known and suspected bat roosts. Ensure adequate burrows are 

available for burrowing owls and take measures to protect against vehicle strikes. Protect vernal pools 

and sag ponds that provide fairy shrimp and spadefoot toad habitat. Maintain current conditions while 

improving knowledge base and modify management to reflect new information. Design vernal pool 

monitoring to detect negative changes (such as reduced fairy shrimp or spadefoot toad numbers, 

altered hydrology, or detrimental nonnative species) early and take action to remedy negative 

changes. Protect sphinx moth habitat from surface impacts (such as livestock grazing, horses, 

walking) during critical stages of reproduction and development. Maintain known saltbush stands 

used for nesting and roosting by Le Conte’s thrasher.

II.B.4.3.9 Avian Species

Objective BIO-5(P) – Mountain Plover Objective: Provide suitable habitat for wintering mountain plover 

in Panorama Hills/Elkhorn Plain, Carrizo Plain Central, and Soda Lake subregions.

Mountain Plover Management Actions

• Action BIO-18(S): Conduct annual surveys for mountain plovers

• Action BIO-19(I): Identify and map core areas for mountain plover based on historical use patterns. 

Preliminary core areas are shown on Map 3-2, Special Status Animals. Focus habitat management for 

mountain plover to core areas. Manage core areas so that a minimum of one area of suitable habitat is 

provided within the Monument boundary. 

• Action BIO-20(I*): Apply fall vegetation management when necessary using a variety of tools as 

described in Table II.B.4-1, Vegetation Management Toolbox. When possible, overlap mountain 

plover treatment areas with blunt-nosed leopard lizard treatment areas to provide low structure for 

both species. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-26 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Objective BIO-6(P) – California Condor Objective: Maintain unobstructed condor habitat in the Caliente 

Mountain North, Caliente Mountain South, and Temblor Range subregions. Maintain suitable foraging 

habitat for condors in the Panorama Hills/Elkhorn Plain, Carrizo Plain Central, and Caliente Foothills 

South subregions.

California Condor Management Actions

• Action BIO-21(P): Restrict or prohibit the placement of new transmission lines, towers, or other 

potentially disruptive constructs in condor habitat.

• Action BIO-22(S): Work with existing right-of-way holders to make existing structures condor safe.

• Action BIO-23(S): Support USFWS in implementing recovery actions, such as establishing 

supplemental feeding stations or condor monitoring.

Objective BIO-7(P) – Roosting Shorebirds, Cranes, Curlews, and Waterfowl Objective: Maintain roosting 

habitat for shorebirds, cranes, long-billed curlews, and waterfowl in the Soda Lake subregion.

Roosting Shorebirds, Cranes, Curlews, and Waterfowl Management Actions

• Action BIO-24(S): Conduct annual surveys for long-billed curlews or other species.

• Action BIO-25(I*): Support research to determine factors affecting roosting and foraging habitat 

quality and take appropriate management actions if habitat deteriorates.

• Action BIO-26(I*): Protect roosting habitat at Soda Lake from human disturbance. Design 

facilities and manage public access to minimize detrimental interaction between roosting birds 

and the public.

Objective BIO-18(P) – Nesting Sites and Habitat Objective: Maintain or improve nesting, roosting, and 

foraging habitat for raptors (Caliente Mountain South, Caliente Mountain North subregions) and groundnesting birds such as grasshopper sparrow and short-eared owl ( Caliente Foothills North, Carrizo Plain 

North, Soda Lake subregions), and migratory birds (Caliente Foothills South, Caliente Foothills North, 

Carrizo Plain North, Soda Lake subregions). Maintain or improve wintering habitat for raptors.

Nesting Sites and Habitat 

Management Actions

• Action BIO-67(S): Conduct 

annual surveys for wintering 

raptors. Occasionally survey for 

additional species (such as 

tricolored blackbirds).

• Action BIO-68(S): Conduct 

inventories to determine raptor 

nesting sites. 

• Action BIO-69(I*): Protect 

nesting raptors from human 

disturbance at Selby Rocks, 

Painted Rock, and other nesting 

locations, but allow actions to 

protect rock art from bird Photo 3: Long-Eared Owls Roosting (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-27 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

excrement. Examples: limit public access to sensitive sites during nesting season, post signs and 

restrict climbing on rocks during nesting season. 

• Action BIO-70(I*): Allow certain nonnative trees and human structures to remain in place as habitat 

for birds. Construct new structures or plant additional trees in appropriate locations such as 

established major campgrounds and Monument buildings. Select species that are native to the area or 

are non-invasive and historically appropriate (such as black walnut).

• Action BIO-71(S): Support research to understand regional importance as a nesting and wintering site 

for raptors and ground-nesting birds.

• Action BIO-72(I*): Apply a variety of treatments (mowing, livestock grazing, burning, native 

planting and others as described under Table II.B.4-1, Vegetation Management Toolbox) to create a 

mosaic of habitat types and structures to provide for a variety of species as necessary or as warranted. 

• Action BIO-73(I): Livestock grazing within the Carrizo Plain North subregion will be done in a 

manner that minimizes impacts to shrubs, tall forbs, and perennial native grasses as identified in the 

Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5).

• Action BIO-74(I): Discourage use of polypropylene twine at gates and other facilities in the 

Monument to prevent its use as a nesting material and potential entanglement of birds. Remove and 

replace existing polypropylene twine at gates and facilities. 

• Action BIO-75(S): Take measures − such as those described in Suggested Practices for Avian 

Protection On Power Lines, The State of the Art in 2006 (Avian Power Line Interaction Committee 

2006) − to minimize bird mortalities caused by electrocution along power lines within the Monument 

(Caliente Mountain North/South, Temblor Range).

Objective BIO-19(P) – Upland Game Birds Objective: Maintain suitable habitat for upland game birds 

and allow for continuation of existing artificial water sources.

Upland Game Birds Management Action

• Action BIO-76(I*): Allow maintenance, replacement, and removal of existing artificial water 

developments, such as guzzlers. New water developments may be allowed if proposed by CDFG and 

compatible with biological, cultural, and wilderness objectives. 

II.B.4.3.10 Nonnative Animals and Captive-Held Native Animals

Objective BIO-20(P): Control the spread of nonnative animals. Minimize disease transmission, 

harassment, and competition from nonnative animals and from native animals that have been held in 

captivity.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-77(I): Control and eliminate, when possible, nonnative animals such as wild pigs and 

honeybees that may have negative impacts on habitat or other species. Potential methods to control 

pigs include hunting, fencing, and trapping. Potential methods to control honeybees include physical 

removal of hives, entombment, traps, insecticides, and poison bait stations.

• Action BIO-78(P): Prohibit the release of nonnative animals except for the use of approved biocontrol 

agents or the authorized use of livestock.

• Action BIO-79(P): Prohibit the release of native animals that have been held in captivity unless the 

release is required to meet Monument objectives, such as augmentation or reestablishment of an 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-28 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

endangered or threatened species like the Kern primrose sphinx moth; reestablishment of giant 

kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, or San Joaquin antelope squirrel in core 

areas; or the release of pronghorn or elk if necessary to meet herd objectives.

• Action BIO-80(I): Take protective measures if pets from visitors or private lands are causing wildlife 

depredation or other ecological damage. Examples: Require pets to be leashed or controlled at all 

times, require pet owners to remove fecal material, and contact owners if free-roaming pets from 

private lands are causing impacts. Pets shall remain leashed at all developed sites including visitor 

centers, interpretive overlooks, and camping areas. 

II.B.4.3.11 Habitat Structure Diversity 

Objective BIO-8(P): Maintain or increase the diversity of habitat in terms of structure, composition, and 

patchiness.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-27(S): Across the Monument, monitor the distribution, amount, and structure of shrub, 

woodland, and crust communities; the structure (height and density) of the herbaceous understory; 

and the general species composition of the plant communities. Develop spatial data (maps) to 

evaluate the distribution and extent of these characteristics in meeting management objectives.

• Action BIO-28(I*): Manage lands to provide a variety and mosaic of vegetative assemblages, 

successional stages, habitats, and structure for the purposes of increasing plant and animal species 

diversity. For active management, use vegetation management tools as described in Table II.B.4-1, 

Vegetation Management Toolbox. Initial focus would be on lands previously degraded by dryland 

farming or grazing.

II.B.4.3.12 Linkage

Objective BIO-9(P): Maintain the linkage of natural lands in the CPNM to the San Joaquin Valley by 

preserving the intact nature of the Temblor Range to maintain genetic and population linkages for San 

Joaquin kit fox, giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, and other species.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-29(I): Maintain suitable habitat in the Temblor Range subregion. Manage public use to 

prevent habitat degradation and fragmentation.

• Action BIO-30(I*): Identify and protect important linking habitat through acquisition or other 

methods.

II.B.4.3.13 Riparian Areas

Objective BIO-10(P): Restore all riparian areas, seeps, and springs to proper functioning condition or 

better (Caliente Mountain South/North, Temblor Range, Caliente Foothills South/North subregions).

Management Actions

• Action BIO-31(I*): Restore degraded riparian areas using a variety of methods. Examples: fence to 

exclude livestock, remove alterations/redesign developed springs, seed or plant with appropriate 

native species to stabilize channels.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-29 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-32(I*): Take measures to limit the deleterious actions of wild pigs, such as monitoring, 

fencing, and hunting.

• Action BIO-33(I*): Identify and protect riparian areas that may appear only in very wet years. 

Examples: fence areas to prevent degradation and realign roads to avoid sites.

II.B.4.3.14 Soda Lake

Objective BIO-11(P): Maintain the ecological processes and hydrologic vitality (quality, quantity, and 

flow patterns) of Soda Lake, its playas, and associated swale system.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-34(I*): Monitor water flow patterns, potential threats to water quality, and general 

ecosystem health of the Soda Lake system. Respond to threats by management actions tailored to the 

specific problem (for example, use fencing to discourage dump sites and off-road activity, keep 

livestock out of rare plant habitat, such as that of Delphinium recurvatum). 

• Action BIO-35(S): Identify adjacent lands important in maintaining water quality for the Soda Lake 

system. Coordinate with adjacent landowners to eliminate or minimize contamination (for example, 

clean up recent dumps, pursue conservation easements or land acquisition).

• Action BIO-36(I*): Eliminate salt cedar and all other 

problematic nonnative species from the Soda Lake system.

• Action BIO-37(S): Design any new trails, pull-outs, parking 

areas, and other facilities to minimize disruption of ecological 

processes and hydrologic vitality.

II.B.4.3.15 Vernal Pools and Sag Ponds

Objective BIO-12(P): Protect the Monument’s vernal pool and sag 

pond habitats by maintaining their ecological processes and 

hydrologic vitality (primarily Caliente Foothills South and Soda 

Lake subregions).

Management Actions

• Action BIO-38(S): Monitor water chemistry, species 

composition, and other important ecological factors. Identify 

and map vernal pool sites, including those that appear only in 

years of excessive precipitation (for example, El Niño years). 

Work to understand hydrological parameters important in 

maintaining pool ecosystems. Better define habitat 

characteristics for pools and determine if they have the 

potential to form in areas that have previously been cultivated.

• Action BIO-39(S): Determine the role of livestock grazing in 

maintaining characteristics necessary for the health and 

viability of fairy shrimp populations. 

• Action BIO-40(I*): Take measures to eliminate nonnative 

species (such as pepperweed, Russian knapweed and 

bullfrogs) from vernal pools and surrounding areas.

Photo 4: Monitoring in Vernal Pools (BLM 

File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-30 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-41(I): Ensure that BLM actions and authorizations are designed to avoid impacts to 

vernal pools. Manage vernal pools that provide longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and 

spadefoot toad habitat within the North Carrizo and South Carrizo Vernal Pool Core Areas consistent 

with the Vernal Pool Recovery Plan.

II.B.4.3.16 Research and Inventory

Objective BIO-13(P): Improve knowledge of the species present on the Monument and understanding of 

the natural and ecological processes that influence local ecosystems.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-42(S): Inventory taxa that are not well studied or understood, such as insects, other 

invertebrates, fungi, lichens, and bryophytes. Continue updating existing inventories (plants, 

mammals, birds, and other species).

• Action BIO-43(S): Support inventories, monitoring, and research that identifies and defines factors 

that influence species population trends, especially listed and special status species. Support other 

research within the Monument on the biology of CPNM species. 

• Action BIO-44(I): Establish and maintain non-managed areas to compare the effects of purely natural 

processes with those influenced by agency management actions. Investigate the potential of setting 

aside “hands-off” areas where little to no management actions would occur. One management 

exception may be for the treatment of noxious or problematic weedy species.

II.B.4.3.17 Fire

Objective BIO-22(P): Maintain the natural role of fire in the landscape where feasible.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-87(I): Manage fire (prescribed and wildfire) in the Caliente Mountains North subregion to 

mimic natural return interval.

• Action BIO-88(I): Use fire as a habitat management tool to promote native species.

• Action BIO-89(I): Take measures to increase our understanding of native people’s historic use of fire 

and historic fire return intervals to aid in current management applications.

II.B.4.3.18 Protected Land

Objective BIO-23(P): Direct acquisition efforts to acquire lands with important biological resources, 

especially those that are poorly represented in public ownership.

Management Actions

• Action BIO-90(I): Acquire lands by donation, compensation, exchange, or purchase. Lands will be 

acquired based on availability, biological or cultural values, and management needs.

• Action BIO-91(I): Identify target inholdings. Encourage sale or transference of target properties 

through a variety of methods/incentives.

− Primary focus would be to acquire property that supports habitat and populations of species that 

are poorly represented on public lands such as sphinx moth and California jewelflower.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-31 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

− Secondary focus would include properties with important ecological characteristics (for example, 

Soda Lake and playa system) that are potential core areas for the San Joaquin suite of rare species 

(giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope 

squirrel), or that support other important CPNM species (spadefoot toads, fairy shrimp, mountain 

plover, and rare plants).

• Action BIO-92(I): Target inholdings that are important in maintaining the linkage between the CPNM 

and the San Joaquin Valley.

• Action BIO-93(I): Target other inholdings that may have management needs or risk of development 

or occupancy.

• Action BIO-94(I): Develop and maintain a geographic information system (GIS) database showing 

the location of target resources to facilitate acquisition efforts

II.B.5 Fire and Fuels Management

Management of fire and fuels involves achieving a balance between fire suppression activities to protect 

life, property, and resources, and the use of fire and other mechanical tools to regulate fuels and maintain 

healthy ecosystems. A consistent set of fire management policies for all federal lands was first outlined in 

1995 with the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review (USDI and USDA 1995). 

Several guiding principles were recognized in this policy regarding the natural role of fire as a change 

agent, the need to fully integrate wildland fire management into land management planning, and 

recognition of the importance of local interagency coordination and cooperation, which are facilitated by 

standardization of policies and procedures among federal agencies. Further refinements of the national 

policy have occurred since 1995, including the Review and Update of the 1995 Federal Wildland Fire 

Management Policy (USDI et al. 2001), the Interagency Strategy for the Implementation of Federal 

Wildland Fire Management Policy (USDI and USDA 2003), and the Guidance for Implementation of 

Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (USDI and USDA 2009).

The Federal Wildland Fire Policy put in place a three-tier planning system for fire management: 

• Land use planning, such as this RMP, to outline overall land use goals, objectives, and actions;

• Fire management plan (FMP), which serves as the functional activity-level plan for the fire 

management program; and

• Implementation plans, which are site-specific direction, such as prescribed fire plans, modified 

suppression plans and other decision support documents to determine the response to specific 

wildland fire incidents. 

The Bakersfield Field Office completed a FMP in September 2004. In this plan, the CPNM was addressed 

as a separate fire management unit (FMU). Following completion of this RMP, the FMP will be reviewed 

and made consistent with any new decisions in this land use plan. 

Some of the terms used are briefly defined below.

Response to Wildland Fire: The response to a wildland fire based on an evaluation of risks to firefighter 

and public safety; the circumstances under which the fire occurs, including weather and fuel conditions; 

and natural and cultural resource management objectives, protection priorities, and values to be protected. 

The response to wildland fire ranges across a spectrum of tactical options from monitoring the fire to 

intensive suppression actions. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-32 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Wildfire: An unplanned ignition of a wildland fire (such as a fire caused by lightning, volcanoes, 

unauthorized and accidental human-caused fires) and escaped prescribed fires. 

Prescribed Fire: A wildland fire originating from a planned ignition to meet specific objectives 

identified in a written, approved, prescribed fire plan. 

Use of Wildland Fire: Management of either wildfire or prescribed fire to meet resource objectives 

specified in RMPs. 

II.B.5.1 Goals

• Goal FIRE-1(P): Ensure that protection of human life is the single, overriding priority in all fire 

management activities. 

• Goal FIRE-2(P): Manage fuels and wildfire suppression actions to avoid resource damage from 

catastrophic fire.

• Goal FIRE-3(P): Restore natural role of fire in the ecosystem. 

II.B.5.2 Objectives and Management Actions 

Objective FIRE-1(P): Determine the response to fire based on the likely consequences to firefighter and 

public safety and welfare, natural and cultural resources, and values to be protected. 

Management Actions

• Action FIRE-1(P): Use a decision support process to guide and document wildfire management 

decisions. The process will provide situational assessment, analyze hazards and risk, define 

implementation actions, and document decisions and rationale for those decisions.

• Action FIRE-2(P): Fight fire safely by following procedures in the Interagency Standards for Fire 

and Fire Aviation Operations (USDI and USDA 2008). 

• Action FIRE-3(P): Coordinate closely with interagency fire suppression partners to ensure that 

resource protection strategies are understood and implemented. Continue to include a modified 

suppression plan in the Central Coast Operating Plan to outline fire suppression guidelines to fire 

suppression partners. 

• Action FIRE-4(P): Utilize existing natural and human-made barriers (such as roads, trails) where 

feasible during wildland fire suppression. 

• Action FIRE-5(P): Utilize minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) in the Caliente Mountain 

WSA. Also utilize MIST within the remainder of the primitive recreation management zones, to the 

extent possible, considering other values at risk to be protected. 

• Action FIRE-6(P): Avoid the use of fire retardant drops on rock outcrops to prevent damage to 

sensitive resources, such as rock art, vernal pools, and raptor nesting sites. 

• Action FIRE-7(P): Avoid aerial or ground application of fire chemicals within 300 feet of waterways 

in accordance with the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (USDI and 

USDA 2008).

• Action FIRE-8(P): Minimize the loss of fire-intolerant saltbush vegetation.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-33 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action FIRE-9(P): Request a resource advisor familiar with area management objectives and 

sensitive resource values for all fires burning within the CPNM. Ensure BLM fire suppression 

personnel are also aware of special resource concerns in CPNM. 

• Action FIRE-10(P): Park vehicles and set up suppression support facilities in areas that have already 

been impacted (such as administrative sites) or locate outside the CPNM. 

• Action FIRE-11(P): Take measures to increase our understanding of native people’s historic use of 

fire and historic fire return intervals to aid in current management applications.

Objective FIRE-2(P): Determine post-fire effects of all wildland fires and determine needed actions. 

Management Actions 

• Action FIRE-12(P): Assess all wildland fires for emergency stabilization and rehabilitation needs.

• Action FIRE-13(P): Where emergency stabilization and rehabilitation needs are identified, complete 

necessary work in a timely and cost-efficient manner. 

Objective FIRE-3(I): Follow current wildland fire objectives in the FMP: 

• Target wildfire acres burned per decade: approximately 10,000 acres.

• Target individual wildland fire size: 100 acres or less 80 percent of the time.

• Fires on the valley floor burning in grassland areas away from sensitive cultural sites and fireintolerant shrub areas may be managed using a confine strategy, burning to the nearest roads. It is 

estimated that approximately 20 percent of fires could meet these conditions, with fire size averaging 

1,000 acres. 

II.B.5.3 Allowable Uses

Allowable Use FIRE-1(P): No areas identified for managing fire (use of wildland fire) to meet resource 

objectives within the CPNM.

Management Actions

• Action FIRE-14(I):Apply the response to wildland fire using the following assumptions:

− Actively suppress fires that threaten life, facilities, or private property.

− Actively suppress fires that threaten fire sensitive natural or cultural resources, such as saltbush or 

other vulnerable shrub communities, Alvord and blue oak stands, and National Register 

properties. Active suppression could include aerial attack, mobile attack, handline construction, 

or dozerline construction (outside of sensitive cultural site areas). Utilize mobile attack in 

preference to more disturbing methods such as dozerline construction. 

− In other areas, apply a confine strategy, where fires are suppressed when they reach the nearest 

existing control feature, such as a road. 

− Utilize MIST for fires burning within the Caliente Mountain WSA (17,984 acres). Use MIST to 

the extent possible, considering other values at risk to be protected, in the remaining primitive 

recreation management zones, which include an additional 44,471 acres. 

− While considering the above assumptions, the incident commander retains the authority during 

initial attack to undertake whatever actions are deemed appropriate based on current and 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-34 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

anticipated conditions and resource availability (while considering restrictions to protect sensitive 

natural and cultural resources). For example, a confine strategy may not be appropriate in times 

of extremely hot and dry conditions or when multiple incidents in a geographic area have 

depleted available suppression resources. 

• Action FIRE-15(I): Coordinate with biological specialists to utilize prescribed fire to contribute to 

native species restoration goals and noxious weed control. Prescribed fire would also be used to 

return fire to its place in the ecosystem, as well as to meet fuel reduction needs. Treat up to 10,000 

acres with prescribed fire each decade. 

• Action FIRE-16(I): Reduce fuels adjacent to structures and other improvements, as well as along 

major travel corridors to reduce the number of human-caused ignitions in the CPNM. Treat up to 

4,000 acres per decade with non-fire fuels treatment. Treatments could include activities such as 

mowing along roads and providing vegetation clearance around structures. 

II.B.6 Air Quality

The Clean Air Act requires federal agencies to comply with federal, state, and local air pollution 

standards. The Clean Air Act also requires each state to develop an implementation plan ensuring that 

national ambient air quality standards are attained and maintained for criteria pollutants. National 

standards have been established for six pollutants described in the Clean Air Act. Of these six, only one – 

particulate matter – is substantially affected by natural resource management activities. Most particulate 

matter produced by wildland fire is less than 10 micrometers in diameter (abbreviated as PM10); this PM10

is the size class of particular concern for human health. Land managers have little control over where, 

when, and how much smoke is produced during wildfires. However, with prescribed fire, smoke levels 

can be managed through coordination with regional air quality districts in determining acceptable burn 

periods.

II.B.6.1 Goal

Goal AIR-1(P): Manage uses to maintain and improve air quality to meet federal and state ambient air 

quality standards.

II.B.6.2 Objectives 

Objective AIR-1(P): Maintain and/or improve air quality to meet all local, state, and federal air quality 

standards.

Objective AIR-2(P): Utilize the Monument adaptive management program to implement techniques, 

BMPs, and SOPs to increase beneficial effects and minimize the contribution to global climate change.

Objective AIR-3(P): Improve overall air quality by reducing fugitive dust and particulate matter emissions 

throughout the Monument. 

II.B.6.3 Management Actions

• Action AIR-1(S): Comply with all local, state, and federal air quality regulations when implementing 

projects.

• Action AIR-2(I*): Consider impacts of climate change on Monument resources and evaluate the 

contribution of management actions and program activities on climate change.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-35 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action AIR-3(I*): Use alternative energy sources where feasible on BLM projects and facilities (for 

example, solar and/or wind).

• Action AIR-4(I*): Minimize dust emissions on roads and while implementing earth-disturbing 

activities.

• Action AIR-5(S): Use accepted BMPs to minimize the exposure of employees, visitors, and area 

residents to the spores that may result in valley fever.

• Action AIR-6(I*): Use an aggregate, gravel base, or chemical binder/dust suppressant to cover main 

BLM roads throughout the Monument, with primary focus on those accessing or passing high-use 

recreation sites, other areas with high public or resident exposure, and near rock art sites.

• Action AIR-7(S): Coordinate with the county to reduce dust emissions on county roads. 

• Action AIR-8(I*): Close and reclaim roads determined redundant or unnecessary as identified in 

Section II.B.8, Travel Management.

• Action AIR-9(I*): Install solar panels where feasible to replace generators, or use windmills at wells. 

Rehabilitate existing windmills.

• Action AIR-10(S): Implement BMPs to ensure that all BLM projects minimize air quality impacts and 

risks to human health and safety (such as the risk of contracting valley fever).

• Action AIR-11(I*): Avoid conducting prescribed fire when weather conditions are likely to result in 

smoke entering adjacent areas that exceed current air pollution standards (for example, the San 

Joaquin Valley Air Basin).

• Action AIR-12(I): Avoid burning during high-visitor-use periods to maintain visibility and protect 

human health and safety. (Examples of predictable high-use days include three-day weekends, 

holidays, peak flowering periods, and hunting season openings.)

II.B.7 Soils 

Soil is essential for the growth of vegetation. Without an intact base of healthy productive soil, watershed 

management goals for vegetation and wildlife are not achievable. Chemical and biological processes that 

form soil (for example, rock weathering, organic matter accumulation, plant material decomposition, and 

nutrient cycling) proceed slowly in the arid environment of the CPNM. Soil recovery processes are also 

slow. For these reasons, protection of soil ecology and productivity are especially important.

II.B.7.1 Goals

• Goal SOIL-1(P): Achieve desired outcomes for soil resources, such as meeting or exceeding 

rangeland health standards for Central California. 

• Goal SOIL-2(P): Conserve sensitive soils such as the clay dunes and those supporting biological 

crusts.

II.B.7.2 Objectives

• Objective SOIL-1(P): Maintain soil resources in proper functioning condition (including biological 

function).

• Objective SOIL-2(P): Conserve and restore areas of biological soil crusts.

• Objective SOIL-3(P): Manage land uses such that erosion and sedimentation rates are appropriate to 

natural processes, landscapes returning to natural processes, or landscapes under active restoration. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-36 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Objective SOIL-4(P): Gain a better understanding of the processes that may be affecting Monument 

soils. Take an aggressive approach to help the soils achieve proper functioning condition and educate 

the users about soil resources and sensitivity.

II.B.7.3 Management Actions

• Action SOIL-1(I*): Identify and evaluate erosion problems and implement corrective actions as 

needed.

• Action SOIL-2(I): Limit fugitive dust pollution by reducing disturbance to soils.

• Action SOIL-3(S): Incorporate BMPs into project authorizations to minimize erosion/sedimentation 

and conserve biological soil crusts.

• Action SOIL-4(S): Develop and implement BMPs to reduce the threat of exposure of area residents, 

visitors, and employees to valley fever. 

• Action SOIL-5(S): Assess/inventory soils within CPNM for proper functioning condition using 

criteria such as Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines.

• Action SOIL-6(I*): Identify and evaluate erosion problems and implement corrective actions as 

needed. Develop strategies to improve conditions on soils that are eroding. Priority will be given to 

human-caused problems that impact natural community processes or areas inhabited by sensitive 

species.

• Action SOIL-7(S): Conserve/minimize impacts to areas that contain biological soil crusts.

• Action SOIL-8(I*): Consider seasonal closures to areas of sensitive soils.

• Action SOIL-9(I*): Consider seasonal closures on roads where excessive ruts occur to prevent road 

proliferation and resulting soil impacts such as erosion.

II.B.8 Water Resources

Water quality is typically defined and discussed with respect to recognized water quality indicators. A 

body of water is considered to be “impaired” under the Clean Water Act when it exceeds or fails to 

achieve the upper or lower limit for one or more of these indicators. The primary indicators of water 

quality are: 

• water temperature 

• nutrient levels 

• coliform count (fecal bacteria) 

• turbidity 

• sediment load 

• dissolved oxygen 

• stream channel condition 

The Monument Proclamation explicitly reserves a federal water right subject to valid existing rights: 

There is hereby reserved, as of the date of this proclamation and subject to valid existing rights, a 

quantity of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes for which this monument is established. Nothing 

in this reservation shall be construed as a relinquishment or reduction of any water use or rights 

reserved or appropriated by the United States on or before the date of this proclamation.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-37 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The CPNM lacks perennial watersheds excepting small seeps and springs and a very short segment of the 

Cuyama River that touches the southern border. This lack of significant water sources has resulted in 

relatively limited monitoring of traditional water quality parameters. However, it also makes the available 

water even more critical to the wildlife and other Monument resources. 

II.B.8.1 Goals

• Goal WTR-1(P): Maintain and enhance surface and groundwater quality throughout the Monument.

• Goal WTR-2(P): Protect Soda Lake and other water resources (such as springs).

• Goal WTR-3(P): Maintain hydrologic processes and function of Soda Lake and other Monument

watersheds.

• Goal WTR-4(P): Protect a quantity of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes for which the Monument 

was established. 

• Goal WTR-5(P): Maintain groundwater quantity and quality throughout the portion of the Carrizo 

Plain Groundwater Basin located within the National Monument.

II.B.8.2 Objectives

• Objective WTR-1(P): Maintain and enhance water quality: hydrologic processes, ecosystem, and plant 

and wildlife communities (see Biological Resources − Objectives and Management Actions, Section 

II.B.4.3.14, Soda Lake). 

• Objective WTR-2(P): Coordinate with appropriate state and federal water quality agencies to ensure 

that the quality of water entering the Monument is not compromised.

• Objective WTR-3(P): Ensure riparian zones, streams, and floodplains are in proper functioning 

condition.

• Objective WTR-4(P): Coordinate with state and federal agencies to achieve compliance with the 

Clean Water Act or other applicable regulatory guidance.

• Objective WTR-5(P): Manage upland areas to maintain or improve hydrologic function and minimize 

adverse downslope impacts.

II.B.8.3 Management Actions

• Action WTR-1(S): Inventory/monitor wetland, riparian, and spring sites. 

• Action WTR-2(I*): Fence/protect wetland, riparian, and spring areas as necessary to meet or exceed 

proper functioning condition.

• Action WTR-3(I*): Any spring improvements and/or new water developments will undergo 

evaluation and an approval process that would include an appropriate level of environmental analysis 

(NEPA) by BLM. 

• Action WTR-4(I*): Provide water for livestock, wildlife, and administrative use from wells rather than 

from natural springs and/or surface waters where it is determined that these uses are detrimental to the 

spring and/or surface waters. 

• Action WTR-5(S): Continue to monitor and remove tamarisk, bull thistle, and other noxious weeds 

from wetland areas.

• Action WTR-6(S): Use native plants in wetland areas to restore degraded springs or streams.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-38 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action WTR-7(S): Inventory, characterize, and map all existing water wells within the CPNM

• Action WTR-8(S): Establish a baseline database of existing water wells, groundwater level trends, and 

groundwater quality for the Carrizo Plain Groundwater Basin within the National Monument.

• Action WTR-9(I): Determine if any existing wells in the CPNM are suitable for water level and water 

quality monitoring.

• Action WTR-10(I*): Drill groundwater monitoring wells at selected locations within the Carrizo Plain 

Groundwater Basin in the CPNM, focusing in areas that may be potentially impacted by proposed and 

future offsite land uses.

• Action WTR-11(S): Monitor the water levels and water quality in new monitoring wells and/or 

existing wells on a quarterly basis for first 2 years, and annually thereafter. 

• Action WTR-12(S): Coordinate with other public agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, 

California Department of Water Resources, and San Luis Obispo County on monitoring and research 

relative to groundwater in the CPNM.

• Action WTR-13(S): Develop a hydrologic model of the CPNM groundwater system and interaction 

with surface waters, watershed, and Soda Lake.

II.B.9 Wild and Scenic Rivers

BLM is required to evaluate stream segments on public lands as potential additions to the National Wild 

and Scenic Rivers System during the RMP process under Section 5(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

of 1968 (Public Law 90-542).

The RMP team met in October, 2007, and identified/evaluated watersheds within the CPNM for 

eligibility under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 

II.B.9.1 Goal

Goal WSR-1(P): Meet the requirements of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to study stream segments for 

potential inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system.

II.B.9.2 Objective and Management Actions

Objective WSR-1(P): Evaluate and provide interim protection for all eligible and suitable wild and scenic 

river segments until Congress makes a final determination regarding their designation under the Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Act. 

• Action WSR-1(P): BLM would carry forward the non-eligible recommendation for Soda Lake from 

the Caliente RMP (1996).

• Action WSR-2(P): Abbot Canyon, Wallace Creek, and the Cuyama River were found to be not 

eligible for designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 

Note: Soda Lake, Abbot Canyon, Wallace Creek, and the Cuyama River all have values that are explicitly 

protected as objects under the Monument Proclamation. Therefore, objectives and actions are included in 

other parts of this RMP to ensure that they are protected.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-39 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.10 Geology and Paleontology 

The geological structure, formation processes, and the fossil assemblages in the Monument have long 

been recognized as important features needing protection by the public, government agencies, 

universities, and the scientific community. The following laws and policies provide direction for planning 

and managing the Monument’s paleontological and geologic resources.

Pursuant to the Monument Proclamation, geological resources in the CPNM are recognized as “World 

famous geologic processes that formed the San Andreas as a preserved natural landscape..... Protect 

significant fossil assemblages of scientific interest.”

Procedural guidance, policy, management, and planning for paleontological resource management are 

provided in the Paleontological Program Manual 8270 and Handbook H-8270-1. To conduct 

paleontological research or mitigation for projects in the Monument, a permit is required through the 

BLM State Office and fieldwork authorizations would be issued from the Bakersfield Field Office. 

43 CFR 8365 addresses the collection of invertebrate fossils and, by administrative extension, fossil 

plants.

43 CFR 8200 addresses procedures for the management of lands that have outstanding natural history 

values such as fossils that are of scientific interest. 

18 United States Code Section 641 provides authority for addressing the unauthorized collection of fossils 

as a type of government property. 

II.B.10.1 Goals

• Goal GP-1(P): Identify, protect, and preserve paleontological values and unique geologic features 

and examples of geologic processes pursuant to the Monument Proclamation. 

• Goal GP-2(P): Enhance scientific, educational, and recreational opportunities pertinent to 

paleontological and geological resources. 

II.B.10.2 Objectives and Management Actions

II.B.10.2.1 Protection and Preservation

Objective GP-1(P): Protect and preserve significant vertebrate or invertebrate fossils.

• Action GP-1(S): Implement paleontological inventory to identify sensitive zones and localities of 

vertebrate and invertebrate fossils in the Monument.

• Action GP-2(S): Prioritize protection of sensitive paleontological and geological formations through 

law enforcement patrol. 

Objective GP-2(P): Protect geological landforms such as the San Andreas Fault, Soda Lake, and the clay 

dunes at Soda Lake.

• Action GP-3(S): Identify baseline data and monitor sensitive areas to detect natural and humancaused disturbances such as erosion at Wallace Creek or unauthorized collection of fossils, and 

implement corrective action such as educational awareness and erosion control.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-40 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.10.2.2 Public 

Education and 

Interpretation

Objective GP-3(P):

Encourage 

educational 

interpretation and 

research project 

opportunities with the 

scientific community 

and educational 

partnerships. 

• Action GP-4(S):

Where resource 

integrity would 

not be 

compromised, interpret fossils, geological landforms, features, and formations as compatible with the 

associated recreation management zone. 

• Action GP-5(S): Encourage valid research and volunteer partnership opportunities associated with the 

San Andreas Fault, Soda Lake, sag ponds, clay dunes, and other areas of geological interest in the 

Monument. 

Objective GP-5(I): Focus public education and interpretation of geological and paleontological resources

at field locations.

• Action GP-9(S): Interpretative information pertinent to geologic and paleontological resources would 

be focused at existing and additional field locations in the Monument where compatible with specific 

recreation management zones and VRM class.

• Action GP-10(S): Continue existing guided public tours and self-guided geologic road tours and 

interpretive trail to San Andreas Fault/Wallace Creek and other points of geological interest in the 

Monument. Interpretive information would be provided at on-site locations, or adjacent to pedestrian 

trails and road locations.

• Action GP-11(I*): Assess the feasibility of expanding the Wallace Creek interpretive program by 

providing geological walk-through-time displays adjacent to the trail. 

• Action GP-12(S): Maintain and enhance the Goodwin Education Center or some other public facility 

with displays pertinent to paleontological and geological formations. The center would continue to 

provide public displays and hands-on educational exhibits.

II.B.10.2.3 Paleontological Resource Scientific Research

Objective GP-4(P): Establish baseline inventory of paleontological resources in the Monument. 

• Action GP-6(S): Encourage valid research and volunteer partnership opportunities to identify fossil 

localities, collect specimens, interpret finds, evaluate their significance, and preserve representative 

fossil formations and localities.

Photo 5: Public Tour (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-41 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action GP-7(S): Identify and compile existing geological and paleontological research maps and 

professional reports pertinent to the Monument. Maintain baseline data in hard copy and electronic 

(GIS) format.

• Action GP-8(S): Create both detailed and planning overview geological maps of the Monument 

depicting Wallace Creek, Soda Lake, and other sites of geological and paleontological significance.

Objective GP-6(P): Pursue field research of paleontological resources using a combination of hand tools 

and mechanized equipment that would balance protection of resources with collection of scientific 

information.

• Action GP-13(I*): Hand tools and mechanized equipment may be authorized for excavations where 

needed to assess and preserve significant fossils that may be lost to erosion or unauthorized 

collection. Exposed fossil formations or localities would be stabilized where feasible to deter further 

erosion or theft of specimens. Research methods would have to meet paleontological permit 

standards.

• Action GP-13(I*): Conduct field research in a fashion that would be compatible with the appropriate 

VRM class and not compromise the overall physical integrity of the fossil bed or locality.

• Action GP-14(I*): Recover fossils at risk of loss and place significant finds in a repository meeting 

federal standards (36 CFR 79). Selected specimens would be placed on exhibit in the Monument and 

other fossils may be used for public educational purposes such as hands-on interpretive uses. 

• Action GP-15(S): Pursue field research of paleontological resources through cooperative agreements 

and contracts or permits to identify fossil formations and localities, and assess condition of 

paleontological resources threatened by soil erosion or human-caused disturbances.

• Action GP-16(S): Identify sensitive paleontological formations in the Monument and expand baseline 

inventory in GIS or hard copy format and maps.

II.B.10.2.4 San Andreas Fault/ Soda Lake/ Geological Formation Research 

Objective GP-7(P): Pursue field research of significant geological resources using a combination of hand 

tools and mechanized equipment.

• Action GP-17(S): Consider more intensive research for the advancement of public education and 

scientific understanding of significant geological resources in the Monument. A reasonable amount of 

ground disturbance would be allowed that would not compromise the physical integrity of the 

formation and would be compatible with the appropriate VRM class.

• Action GP-18(I*): Continue formal field research pertinent to geological resources in areas of interest 

such as the San Andreas Fault, Soda Lake, sag ponds, clay dunes, and volcanic formations in the 

Monument. 

• Action GP-19(I*): Allow research data collection methods such as surface investigations, coring 

samples at Soda Lake, and geological, mineralogical, or seismic studies at the fault zone.

• Action GP-20(S): Document findings from geological research in a professional report and provide to 

BLM and its partners. Sensitive or unique geological information identified through research would 

be archived in GIS or hard copy format for reference.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-42 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.11 Cultural Resources 

A broad range of federal laws, regulations, and program manuals guide BLM in the management of 

cultural resources and consultation with the California SHPO, and with federal tribal governments and 

other Native Americans. The following list identifies some of the primary guidance for developing 

cultural resource planning decisions:

• Monument Proclamation, “Protect historic/prehistoric structures and objects....Proper care and 

management of the rich human history....world class rock painting....historic ranches.”

• The BLM Cultural Resources 8100 Manual series establishes BLM’s policy for managing cultural 

resources including identifying and evaluating cultural resources, tribal consultation, planning, 

protecting cultural resources, permitting, preserving collections, and interpreting cultural resources 

for the public. 

• Cultural resources under BLM jurisdiction are subject to the provisions of NHPA Sections 106 and 

110. Section 106 and 110 work is streamlined or modified for program efficiency through the 

National Programmatic Agreement among BLM, the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, and 

the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (March 1997). The National 

Programmatic Agreement is augmented by the State Protocol Agreement among the California State 

Director of BLM, the California SHPO, and the Nevada SHPO (October 2007). 

• 36 CFR 800 provides implementing regulation guidance for Section 106 compliance. Part 800.16y 

defines what constitutes a federal undertaking and the criteria for assessing and addressing effects on 

a historic property. 

• The 36 CFR 60 regulations provide compliance procedures and evaluation criteria for determining the 

eligibility of a cultural resource property for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places 

(NRHP).

• The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 (as amended) establishes definitions, 

permit requirements, and criminal and civil penalties related to cultural sites. Sensitive cultural 

resource records, site location information, and traditional cultural properties and values would be 

held confidential from the public as deemed appropriate to protect historic properties under Section 

9(a) of ARPA. The act is implemented by uniform regulations and departmental regulations found in 

43 CFR 7.

• The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 provides federal policy to protect and preserve 

for the American Indian the inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise their 

traditional religions, including but not limited to access to religious sites, use and possession of sacred 

objects, and freedom to worship through ceremonies and traditional rites.

• Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites (1996), directs federal agencies to manage federal lands 

in a manner that accommodates American Indian religious practitioners' access to and ceremonial use 

of Indian sacred sites, and avoids adversely affecting the physical integrity of sacred sites, to the 

extent practicable, permitted by law, and not clearly inconsistent with essential agency functions.

• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-601; 104 Stat. 3048; 25 

U.S.C. 3001) establishes rights of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to claim 

ownership of certain cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and 

objects of cultural patrimony, held or controlled by Federal agencies and museums that receive 

Federal funds. It requires agencies and museums to identify holdings of such remains and objects and 

to work with appropriate Native Americans toward their repatriation. Permits for the excavation 

and/or removal of cultural items protected by the act require Native American consultation, as do 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-43 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

discoveries of cultural items made during land use activities. The Secretary of the Interior's 

implementing regulations are at 43 CFR Part 10. 

II.B.11.1 Goals

• Goal CUL-1(P): Identify, protect, and preserve significant prehistoric and historic resources.

• Goal CUL-2(P): Provide opportunities for Native American traditional cultural practice and access.

• Goal CUL-3(P):

Enhance opportunities 

for research, public 

education, and 

awareness of the 

fragile nature of 

heritage resources.

II.B.11.2 Objectives, 

Management Actions, 

and Allowable Uses 

II.B.11.2.1 General 

Cultural Resources 

Protection

Objective CUL-1(P):

Protect and preserve 

significant cultural 

resources from natural and 

human-caused 

disturbances such as 

erosion and vandalism at 

archaeological sites.

• Allowable Use CUL-1(P): Manage Painted Rock as a point of public interest to limit public use to a 

level that does not compromise its NRHP qualities or traditional use values. 

• Action CUL-1(I*):Repair, maintain, and realign the fences encircling the Rock Art Historic District in 

the vicinity of Painted Rock and Selby Rocks to enclose and protect all archaeological sites in this 

portion of the district from unauthorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and livestock grazing 

trespass. Remove fences that are in poor condition if they are no longer needed, subsequent to 

recordation and assessment pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA. See Map 2-3, Painted Rock 

Exclusion Zone. 

• Allowable Use CUL-2(P):Photography for commercial purposes at CPNM rock art sites – prohibit 

still and video photography for commercial purposes of the pictograph images at Painted Rock and 

other rock art sites in the Monument. This limit on commercial photography is authorized under 

43CFR 2920. 

• Allowable Use CUL-3(P): Research projects proposed by accredited scientific, academic, or research 

institutions or individuals involving the study and documentation of the pictographs and petroglyphs 

at Painted Rock and other rock art sites on the Monument employing photography will require a 

Cultural Resource Use Permit (pursuant to ARPA and FLPMA) and an approved BLM Fieldwork 

Authorization.

Photo 6: Soda Lake Mining Activities (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-44 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Allowable Use CUL-4(P): All cultural resource field investigations conducted on the Monument will 

require appropriate permitting as referenced above. 

• Action CUL-2(S):Monitor, identify, and record cultural resource sites threatened by human activity 

and natural forces such as graffiti, illegal digging, artifact collection, inadvertent rock art disturbance 

by human contact, water and wind erosion, bird excretion and dust accumulation on rock art 

paintings, and weather effects on historic buildings and structures. Implement corrective actions such 

as law enforcement patrol, public education, and stabilization.

• Action CUL-3(I*):For rock art sites threatened by natural conditions and human-caused impacts, 

conduct assessment, conservation treatment, detailed documentation, or other preservation strategies, 

pursuant to federal regulations and BLM Cultural Manual 8120-8150. 

• Action CUL-4(I*):Assess impacts from livestock grazing to the Saucito Rocks, Sulphur Springs, and 

Abbott Canyon components of the Rock Art Historic District. If impacts are existing or could 

potentially occur, exclude livestock from all or parts of the pastures encircling the sites. 

• Action CUL-5(I*):Assess impacts from the administrative road accessing the Saucito Rocks, Sulphur 

Spring, and Abbott Canyon components of the Rock Art Historic District. Identify and assess impacts 

to any other NRHP properties located within or contiguous to existing public or administrative roads. 

Employ realignment, closure of road segments, road capping, or some other form of preservation. 

• Action CUL-6(S): To protect archaeological properties in the Rock Art Historic District from direct 

impacts from unauthorized OHV use or indirect effects from dust accumulating on rock art motifs, 

target law enforcement patrol to deter unauthorized OHV use and to enforce speed limit restrictions in 

the Monument. Signs prohibiting OHV use would be posted.

• Action CUL-7(P): Any NRHP-eligible archaeological property at risk would be subject to emergency 

closure or access restrictions for site preservation, pursuant to federal regulations.

• Action CUL-8(S): Revise or update sensitive cultural resource zones or fire maps as well as cultural 

baseline map.

• Action CUL-9(P): NRHP-listed archaeological properties in the Rock Art Historic District and 

nominated eligible properties in the National Historic Landmark consist of 89 cultural properties 

allocated to the Conservation for Future Use category. Painted Rock is allocated to Traditional and 

Public Use categories. The historic Traver Ranch and KCL Ranch are allocated to the Public Use 

category. The historic El Saucito Ranch, Washburn Ranch, and Selby Cow Camp are allocated to the 

Public Use and Scientific Use categories.

• Action CUL-10(P):Evaluate sites for National Register eligibility and assign the appropriate 

management use category for sites in the Monument not previously designated above (that is, 

scientific, conservation, traditional, public, experimental, or discharged from management), pursuant 

to BLM 8110 Manual, SHPO State Protocol Agreement, and other pertinent regulations. Cultural 

resources could be allocated to one or more use categories.

• Action CUL-11(S): Develop and implement a cultural resource management plan for cultural 

resources on the CPNM. This plan will include specific strategies for survey, monitoring, rock art and 

prehistoric and historical archaeological site management. This plan will also include treatment plans 

for restoring or stabilizing NRHP-eligible and selected non-eligible historical sites such as ranch 

buildings, pursuant to BLM Manual 8100. This could also include the reconstruction of buildings or 

structures that are no longer extant. This portion of the plan shall also include identification of 

facilities that pose a hazard to the public and either raze facilities or secure them in a state of arrested 

decay. This cultural resource management plan will be completed in phases for each resource type. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-45 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Objective CUL-2(P): Maintain and enhance open dialogue with Native Americans to participate in 

planning and consultation processes.

• Action CUL-12(S): Develop procedural agreement with the Native Americans addressing items such 

as consultation procedures, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act issues, tribal 

government-to-government face-to face meetings, monitoring, interpretive, and trust responsibilities. 

• Action CUL-13(S): Continue to work with federal tribes, other Native Americans having ancestral ties 

to the Carrizo Plain, and the Native American Advisory Committee under the guidelines of the 

existing Carrizo Native American Advisory Committee Charter Agreement. 

Objective CUL-3(P): Ensure opportunities for Native American traditional plant gathering, cultural 

activities, and ceremonial rites.

• Action CUL-14(S): Pursue development of a protocol agreement with the Native Americans to 

implement the statewide policy regarding traditional plant gathering and other traditional practices 

such as ceremonial rites and access.

• Action CUL-15(S):In implementing this agreement, consider opportunities to work with Native 

Americans to identify, protect, and implement active management efforts (such as prescribed 

burning) to improve vigor and distribution of native plants used in traditional practices such as 

basketweaving. 

• Action CUL-16(S): As wildlife herds increase to sustainable levels, work with Native American 

groups and CDFG in an effort to allow for the use of native animals pursuant to state fish and game 

laws and regulations.

Objective CUL-4(I): Provide for the removal of invasive nonnative plants while retaining the integrity of 

historic property landscapes.

• Action CUL-17(I*): Where invasive nonnative plants such as horehound are found at a specific 

prehistoric site such as Painted Rock, consider the eradication of the nonnative plant and replacement 

with a native plant to restore the site’s natural setting, while stabilizing the ground surface and 

protecting any surface artifacts from potential looting, pursuant to federal regulations and Native 

American consultation.

• Action CUL-18(I*):Where invasive nonnative plants such as tree of heaven are found on a historic 

property, eradicate the plant and replace with an appropriate native plant that would typically be 

found in the Monument such as the cottonwood tree or replace with acceptable non-invasive 

nonnative plant to preserve the historic landscape, pursuant to cultural regulations.

Objective CUL-5(P): Encourage partnerships, research, interpretation, and educational opportunities with 

the public, scientific, and educational communities, Native Americans, conservation groups, and other 

interested parties.

• Action CUL-19(S): The El Saucito Ranch interpretive and educational trail program would continue 

with restricted access, allowing only pedestrian guided tours.

• Action CUL-20(S): Implement intensive and mixed sample inventory strategies to establish a 

predictive model revealing the low, moderate, or high probability zones for prehistoric and historic 

resources in the CPNM.

• Action CUL-21(S): Compile and transcribe oral histories from willing ranchers, ethnic groups, Native 

Americans, and other parties having cultural ties to the CPNM.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-46 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action CUL-22(S): Compile and archive for long-term preservation, historic documents and 

photographs associated with the CPNM for public education and interpretive uses pursuant to BLM 

Manual 8110 and 8170.

• Action CUL-23(S):Pursue research questions pertinent to historic resources such as: 

− What economic and lifestyle strategies were employed by the inhabitants from the pioneer to the 

modern phases? 

− What important historic themes in the Monument help us better understand the history of the 

Carrizo Plain, such as dry-land farming, livestock operations, mining, transportation system, 

education, and social interaction; and how did this affect demographics and ethnic groups 

represented on the Plain? 

− How did agriculture in the Monument evolve, including dry-land farming and other farming 

practice such as Brumley’s fruit orchard and Edgar’s grape vineyard?

− How did the introduction of mechanized farming and ranching machinery on the Carrizo Plain, 

circa 1912, affect the family economy and social interaction; large scale operations verses small 

family business; expansion of farmland; preferred market products and transportation; and 

abandonment of the family farm or ranch?

• Action CUL-24(S):Pursue research questions pertinent to ethnographic and prehistoric resources such 

as:

− What are the cultural affiliations and their demographics on the Carrizo Plain? 

− What adaptive strategies were employed by the indigenous people in their environment over 

time? 

− What effect did the Mission and Mexican influence have on the demographics of the native 

population on the Carrizo Plain? 

− What is a predictive model for the occurrence of archaeological site types and their distribution in 

the Monument? Were these sites occupied on a seasonal and/or long-term basis? 

− Was the Carrizo Plain a primary trade route to the Coast, Central Valley, and beyond, and what 

goods were exchanged? 

− Was the Pleistocene shoreline of Soda Lake occupied by the early cultures? If not, why?

Objective CUL-6(P): Place priority on acquisition of significant cultural resources in the Monument 

should non-federal land become available.

• Action CUL-25(I*):Pursue acquisition or cooperative management partnership with the state property 

located atop Caliente Mountain Peak, including the Caliente Mountain WWII lookout tower for the 

primary purpose of preserving the wooden structure through stabilization or restoration.

• Action CUL-26(I*): Pursue acquisition of NRHP-eligible cultural properties in the Monument on 

private land should the landowner be willing to transfer the parcel to federal ownership.

II.B.11.2.2 Painted Rock

Objective CUL-7(P): Protect Painted Rock while allowing guided groups and self-guided visitor access.

• Allowable Use CUL-5(P): Painted Rock would be open to guided tours from March 1 through July 15 

on a routine schedule with identified protective measures and conservation ethics while visiting the 

site.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-47 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Allowable Use CUL-6(P): A permit would be required for self-guided visitor access from July 16 to 

the end of February. Permits would include stipulations and conditions identifying protective 

measures and conservation ethics while visiting the site.

• Action CUL-27(S): Monitor and conduct law enforcement patrol of self guided BLM issued permit 

program to ensure that visitors are complying with the stipulations/conditions that protect sensitive 

cultural resources. If monitoring and ranger patrol shows that the self guided permit program is not 

adequately protecting the resources, the program would be modified (for example, limit visitors or 

limit times or days of issuance) or discontinued. If the program were discontinued, access would be 

limited to guided groups only.

• Action CUL-28(S): BLM, the CPNM Native American Advisory Committee, federal tribes, and other 

Native Americans with ancestral ties to the Carrizo Plain, in a collaborative effort, would develop 

permit administrative procedures, conditions, stipulations, and checks and balances to ensure permit 

compliance (for example, ranger patrol, electronic surveillance, monitoring, or other means). This 

would include any amendments to the permit or the permit process. 

• Allowable Use CUL-7(P): A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for groups of 20 or more 

individuals pursuant to 43 CFR 2930. Permits would include stipulations and conditions identifying 

protective measures and conservation ethics.

• Allowable Use CUL-8(P): Develop a visitor allocation system to ensure that public visitation would 

not exceed 25 visitors (as a target) at a time in the rock alcove during guided group visitation or selfguided access. 

• Allowable Use CUL-9(P): The area would be closed from dusk to dawn year-round. 

• Allowable Use CUL-10(P): Coordinate with the Recreation program to establish a rule to prohibit 

campfires within the Painted Rock exclusion zone (see Map 2-3, Painted Rock Exclusion Zone) while 

still allowing for approved Native American ceremonial use of fire.

• Allowable Use CUL-13(P): The Rock Art Historic District component from Painted Rock to Selby 

Rocks and the adjacent area would be closed to livestock grazing, horses, dogs, non-motorized bikes 

(excluding Painted Rock parking area), and cache-type activities, excluding the Selby Road and 

Caliente Mountain Road. The discharge of firearms would be prohibited for the entire exclusion area 

consisting of 1,204 acres. See Map 2-3, Painted Rock Exclusion Zone.

• Allowable Use CUL-14(P): For preservation of Painted Rock, no climbing on the rock, no direct 

contact (touching) or defacement of rock art, and no collecting or displacing of artifacts, ecofacts, or 

features would be allowed without authorization from BLM. Cultural resource researchers could be 

excluded from some of these conditions if they secure a BLM cultural resource use permit and 

fieldwork authorization or other form of approval such as a cooperative agreement. Access to and 

atop Painted Rock by other researchers such as wildlife biologists could be authorized on case-bycase basis for valid research proposals. Such authorization would require close coordination with the 

agency archaeologist and Native Americans. All other requirements listed in the preceding 

management action would be required.

• Allowable Use CUL-15(P): The road to the parking area and archaeological site would be subject to 

temporary or emergency closure without prior public notice for reasons such as muddy road 

conditions, during sensitive periods of bird nesting, and to protect resources and cultural values. 

• Action CUL-29(I*): Fences around Painted Rock would be maintained and realigned to encompass 

the National Register District component between Painted Rock and Selby Cow Camp. Fences fallen 

into a state of poor repair would be removed if no longer needed, subsequent to recordation and 

assessment in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-48 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action CUL-30(S): Prioritize patrol, monitoring, and surveillance actions for protection of Painted 

Rock. 

• Allowable Use CUL-16(P): Native Americans would be allowed access to the site for traditional uses 

pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred 

Sites, and through advance coordination with BLM.

II.B.11.2.3 At-Risk Archaeological Resources 

Objective CUL-8(P): Restrict access and protect sites that are at high risk from human-caused impacts. 

• Allowable Use CUL-17(P): The public would be required to secure a permit from BLM prior to selfguided pedestrian access to archaeological site C06-1 located on the pyramid-shaped basalt hill on 

KCL Ranch. Rationale: The geological basalt hill formation, a remnant of volcanic activity, has been 

of interest to geologists, educational groups, and other interested parties for years. The integrity of the 

cultural property on the hill is at risk as a result of human-caused disturbance, whether it be 

purposeful or inadvertent.

• Action CUL-31(P): Inform the public of permit requirements to access site C06-1. Permits would 

include stipulations and conditions identifying protective measures and conservation ethics while 

visiting the site. 

• Allowable Use CUL-18(P): A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for groups of 20 or more 

individuals to access site C06-1 pursuant to 43 CFR 2930. Permits for visiting the site would include 

stipulations and conditions identifying protective measures and conservation ethics while visiting the 

site.

• Allowable Use CUL-19(P): Native Americans with ancestral ties to the Carrizo Plain would be 

allowed pedestrian access pursuant to federal regulations. 

• Allowable Use CUL-20(P): All public lands within 1⁄4 mile of Sulphur Spring would remain closed to 

public access (for protection of archaeological resources) per Federal Register 97:27615, dated 

October 16, 1997.

• Action CUL-32(P): Prioritize patrol and monitoring of sites C06-1 and CA-SLO-100 for protection 

and compliance. Take corrective action such as fencing or closing site C06-1 to public access if site is 

threatened by impact.

II.B.11.2.4 Rock Art Protection

Objective CUL-9(P): Enhance conservation efforts for long-term preservation of rock art sites affected by 

natural agents and inadvertent human impacts to preserve cultural values and provide public enrichment 

for future generations.

• Action CUL-33(S): Develop a rock art preservation plan, as part of a cultural resource management 

plan, that would identify and assess the condition of rock art sites at risk of loss to natural agents and 

inadvertent human impacts. Implement appropriate protection, conservation, and treatment measures 

to preserve rock art being affected by natural deterioration such as wind and water erosion, rock 

exfoliation, dust accumulation, or bird excretions. Conservation of rock art would be subject to 

consultation with Native Americans having ancestral ties to the Carrizo Plain and the CPNM Native 

American Advisory Committee pursuant to federal regulations and the BLM/SHPO State Protocol 

Agreement.

• Action CUL-34(I*): Reduce the rate of natural and human impacts to rock art by implementing 

measures such as dust abatement on roads and trails; installation of physical barriers, boardwalks, and 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-49 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

interpretive panels; or other preservation measures to manage public access to sites, such as 

maintaining a safe distance from rock art panels and motifs.

• Action CUL-35(S): Prioritize law enforcement patrol and monitoring of all site components and 

document in written and visual media for management purposes.

• Action CUL-36(S): Rock art condition assessments and cause of deterioration would be fully 

documented over time in written and visual media formats.

• Action CUL-37(S): Implement detailed site recordation of archaeological features and rock art 

elements to preserve site information prior to potential loss of site constituents should conservation 

measures be unsuccessful or not implemented.

• Action CUL-38(S): Provide interpretive and educational awareness to the public and Native 

Americans to preserve heritage resource values.

II.B.11.2.5 Public Education, Interpretation, and Archiving 

Objective CUL-10(I): Focus cultural and natural history interpretive and education awareness information 

at on-site field locations or an appropriate viewing distance with less emphasis on multiple indoor public 

facilities.

• Action CUL-39(P): Location and means of public education and interpretation at field locations and 

at indoor facilities would be compatible with the specific recreation management zone and VRM 

class.

• Action CUL-40(P): Additional field locations of public interest would be selected for interpretive and 

educational uses pertinent to cultural and natural history values in the CPNM.

• Action CUL-41(P): Cultural resource and natural history information would continue to be displayed 

via informational and interpretive signs and brochures at on-site locations, roadsides, or pedestrian 

trails at areas such as Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, and El Saucito and Selby ranches.

• Action CUL-42(P): Public education and interpretative information about the cultural and natural 

history values in the Monument would be maintained and enhanced at the Goodwin Education Center 

or some other public facility that would provide displays and learning opportunities for the public.

• Action CUL-43(S): As part of a comprehensive interpretive plan, analyze the feasibility of developing 

a new or expanded public interpretive and educational center in the Monument that would 

accommodate groups and researchers. Considerations would include expanding the floor space at the 

Goodwin Education Center, reconstruction of the 1890s barn at El Saucito Ranch, or construction at 

some other viable location in the Monument. Public use, scientific research, interpretive and 

educational programs, and archival storage needs would be considered in the analysis.

II.B.11.2.6 Ranching/Farming Machinery and Equipment 

Objective CUL-11(P): Retain selected representative examples of historic machinery and equipment in 

situ in the Monument as part of the historic landscape.

• Action CUL-44(I*): Selected historic machinery and equipment would remain in place in the field for 

public visitation and educational awareness of past land uses with less emphasis placed on relocating 

additional items to centralized locations such as the Traver Ranch and the Goodwin Education Center. 

Selection criteria for leaving objects in situ will be based upon the degree to which the object 

contributes to both the historical context of the setting, its interpretive value within that context, and 

issues of public safety. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-50 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action CUL-45(I*): Provide 

educational information to the 

public about the historic 

machinery and equipment 

through field-specific 

interpretive signs, kiosks, or 

brochures as compatible with 

the recreation management 

zone objectives.

• Action CUL-46(I*): Assess 

the condition and safety of 

leaving machinery and 

equipment scattered across the 

Monument. If items pose a 

safety hazard, such items 

would be slated for removal 

from the Monument. 

Removing or relocating items 

would be documented and 

assessed in situ prior to removal pursuant to compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA.

II.B.11.2.7 Historic Ranching and Farming Buildings and Structures

Objective CUL-12(I): Recognize the importance of preserving historic ranching and farming buildings 

and structures in the Monument.

• Action CUL-47(I*): Place emphasis on the preservation of historic resources for public enrichment 

and only target removal for sites that pose a public safety hazard and are ineligible for the NRHP, 

pursuant to Section 106 and 110 of the NHPA (36 CFR 800) or the BLM/SHPO State Protocol 

Agreement.

• Action CUL-48(I*): Restore, rehabilitate, and stabilize historic ranching and farming buildings and 

structures that are eligible for the NRHP. Reconstruction of structures may occur if these buildings 

are no longer extant but were once within the boundary of a Historic District. Pursuant to the State 

Protocol or 36CFR 68. Provide interpretive information about historic facilities to the public at 

selected NRHP sites.

• Action CUL-49(I*): Historic buildings or structures ineligible for inclusion on the NRHP may be 

interpreted but would be razed or removed if compromised to the point that physical integrity no 

longer exists and the facility poses a safety hazard. Buildings such as the Traver Ranch may be saved 

from demolition and stabilized for its values associated with bird and bat habitat and dry-land farming 

interpretive uses. 

• Action CUL-50(I*): Emphasize restoring, rehabilitating, stabilizing, or reconstructing sites such as El 

Saucito, Washburn, and Selby ranches. For public enrichment, provide educational information such 

as interpretive signs, kiosks, and brochures pertinent to these ranches and other selected facilities.

II.B.12 Visual Resources

The vast open vistas and stark landscapes of the CPNM are primary attributes that the public is concerned 

with protecting as reflected in the scoping comments. Public lands within the National Monument have 

been inventoried using BLM’s VRM classification system. Through the RMP process, BLM assigns 

Photo 7: Historic Water Wagon (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-51 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

VRM management classes to all public lands 

in the planning area. Each class allows for 

landscape changes from management 

activities and use authorizations that contrast 

at different levels with the existing 

characteristic landscapes. In all situations, 

actions are taken to minimize visual contrasts 

through careful project design. 

II.B.12.1 VRM Class Definitions

Class I: The objective of this class is to 

preserve the existing character of the 

landscape. This class allows for natural 

ecological changes and only very limited 

management activities and uses. Any contrasts 

with the natural landscape must be minimal 

and not attract attention. This class is typically 

limited to designated wilderness, WSAs, or 

wild and scenic river segments with a “Wild” 

classification.

Class II: The objective of this class is to 

retain the existing character of the landscape. 

The level of change to the characteristic 

landscape should be low. Management 

activities and uses can be seen, but should not 

attract the attention of the casual observer. 

Any changes must repeat the basic elements 

of form, line, color, and texture in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class III: The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The 

level of change to the characteristic landscape can be moderate. Management activities and uses may 

attract attention, but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic 

elements of the predominant natural features of the landscape.

Class IV: The objective of this class is to allow for management activities and uses requiring major 

modifications to the natural landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. 

Management activities and uses may dominate the view and be a major focus of viewer attention. 

However, every attempt should be made to mitigate the impacts of activities through careful location and 

repeating the visual elements of the landscape.

Note: VRM zone boundaries correspond to recreation management zones. See Map 2-4, Recreation 

Management Zones and Route Designations.

II.B.12.2 Goal

Goal VRM-1(P): Protect and restore the unique scenic quality of the CPNM landscape.

Photo 8: Fall on the Carrizo (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-52 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.12.3 Objectives and Management Actions

Objective VRM-1(P): Conduct management activities and complete developments in a manner that is 

sensitive to the visual qualities of the area and conforms to VRM Class objectives.

• Action VRM-1(I): Complete visual contrast ratings for all proposed surface or visually impacting 

projects to ensure they meet VRM class objectives.

• Action VRM-2(I*): Complete visual contrast ratings for existing roads and facilities and identify 

opportunities to reduce existing visual impacts through modifications such as painting water tanks, or 

removing unneeded facilities.

• Action VRM-3(I*): Complete an inventory of existing and potential key scenic vista points along 

roads and trail corridors and identify opportunities to develop and improve these locations as 

overlooks and interpretive sites.

Objective VRM-2(P): Minimize light pollution to retain the area’s night sky qualities.

• Action VRM-4(I): Limit exterior lighting of BLM administrative facilities to the minimum necessary 

for safety and security. Use lighting types and shields that minimize light pollution.

• Action VRM-5(S): Work with adjoining communities (California Valley) to minimize light sources 

that impact the Monument. 

Objective VRM-3(P): Manage the 62,455-acre Primitive zone as VRM Class I to protect wilderness 

characteristics.

• Action VRM-5(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings and ensure that all projects meet VRM Class 1 

requirements.

Objective VRM-4(P): Manage the 165,180-acre Backcountry zone as VRM Class II. 

• Action VRM-6(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings on all projects. Ensure that all proposed projects 

meet VRM Class II objectives. 

• Action VRM-7(I*): Encourage retrofitting of existing facilities to comply with VRM Class II 

objectives by working in partnership with existing right-of-way holders (such as communication 

sites) and oil and gas lessees. Incorporate mitigation measures, such as repainting existing facilities, 

and carefully locating and designing new facilities (such as by using topographic screening) to 

minimize their contrast with the characteristic landscape.

Objective VRM-5(P): Manage the 19,181-acre Frontcountry zone as VRM Class III.

• Action VRM-8(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings on all projects. Ensure that all proposed projects 

meet VRM Class III objectives. 

• Action VRM-9(I*): Encourage retrofitting of existing facilities to comply with VRM Class III 

objectives by working in partnership with existing right-of-way holders (such as communication 

sites) and oil and gas lessees. Incorporate mitigation measures, such as repainting existing facilities, 

and carefully locating and designing new facilities (such as by using topographic screening) to 

minimize their contrast with the characteristic landscape.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-53 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.13 Wilderness 

Study Areas and Other 

Lands with Wilderness 

Characteristics

Management of lands with 

wilderness characteristics is 

part of BLM’s multiple use 

mandate. Lands within the 

CPNM were inventoried in 

2002 in accordance with 

BLM Handbook 6310-1 

Wilderness Inventory and 

Study Procedures. Six 

distinct areas were 

inventoried for wilderness 

characteristics such as 

naturalness, opportunities 

for solitude, primitive and 

unconfined recreation, and 

other associated qualities. 

During the current planning 

effort, the 2002 inventory was reviewed and updated. In addition to these inventoried areas, the 17,984-

acre Caliente Mountain WSA (CA-010-042) would not be affected by this RMP and would continue to be 

managed under BLM’s Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review (BLM 1995). 

Comments on the Draft RMP indicated that the valley floor landscapes of the Carrizo were poorly 

represented in the wilderness system and should be considered for management for wilderness character. 

This prompted BLM to reconsider and further update the wilderness inventory for this plan. As a result of 

this reconsideration and an inventory update, an additional 13,319 acres will be managed for wilderness 

characteristics under the Approved RMP – 7,921 acres that were in the original inventory for the draft, 

and 5,398 acres to the west of Soda Lake Road that were added after the updated inventory for the 

proposed RMP.

II.B.13.1 Goal 

Goal WLD-1(P): Manage the Caliente Mountain WSA to preserve its wilderness qualities.

II.B.13.2 Objectives and Management Actions 

Objective WLD-1(P): Manage the Caliente Mountain WSA so as not to impair the area’s suitability for 

wilderness designation.

• Action WLD-1(P): All BLM initiated or authorized actions in the Caliente Mountain WSA will follow 

BLM’s Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review (BLM 1995). 

• Action WLD-2(P): If released from further consideration by Congress for wilderness designation, the 

Caliente Mountain WSA would continue to be managed to protect wilderness character under the 

guidance of this RMP, unless the Congressional release language explicitly states otherwise.

Objective WLD-2(P): Manage the Caliente Mountain WSA (17,984 acres), Caliente Mountain adjoining 

lands (18,357 acres), the Temblor unit (12,795 acres), and Soda Lake units (13,319 acres) for wilderness 

Photo 9: Caliente Mountain WSA (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-54 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

characteristics (approximately 62,455 acres total) so as not to impair their natural character. (See Map 2-

5, Lands Managed for Wilderness Characteristics.)

• Action WLD-3(P): All activities in areas managed for wilderness characteristics will follow the 

guidelines contained in Attachment 6, Management of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics. 

• Action WLD-4(I*): Conduct active restoration activities to remove unnatural features 

• Action WLD-5(I): Routes located within areas to be managed for wilderness characteristics will be 

used for administrative purposes only when non-motorized access is not feasible for specific projects 

(such as repairs that require heavy tools and materials). A minimum requirements analysis will be 

used to determine if use of mechanized equipment is appropriate. Closed routes will be rehabilitated 

or converted into non-mechanized trails.

II.B.13.3 Allowable Use

Allowable Use WLD-1(P): Appropriate public use would include non-mechanized activities such hiking, 

equestrian use, hunting, and dispersed camping.

II.B.14 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

FLPMA requires BLM to identify lands with significant and sensitive resource values for protective 

management as ACECs. Prior to designation as a National Monument, the Carrizo Plain was designated 

as an ACEC in the Caliente RMP (1996). The Presidential Proclamation identifies and requires protection 

of the same values that were identified under the ACEC designation. Therefore, the ACEC designation is 

now considered to be duplicative and no longer necessary for lands within the boundary of the CPNM. 

Lands outside the CPNM boundary are outside the scope of this plan and will be assessed in the 

Bakersfield RMP regarding continued management as an ACEC.

Action ACEC-1(P): The Carrizo ACEC designation would be dropped for all lands within the National 

Monument boundary. 

II.B.15 Livestock Grazing

This section describes where livestock grazing would be permitted within the Monument. In this 

document, livestock are defined as a species of domestic livestock including cattle, sheep, horses, burros, 

and goats.

BLM land use plans must identify which lands will be available or not available for livestock grazing (see 

allowable uses). In this RMP, lands are further divided into two sub-categories: those lands where 

livestock use is allowed to utilize available forage, and those lands where livestock are allowed only as a 

vegetation management tool to meet other land use plan objectives.

RMPs must also identify area-wide criteria or standards to achieve desired outcomes (see the goals and 

objectives, below). These standards were developed to ensure that management actions fulfill the purpose 

of the Proclamation. Changes to the land use allocation or the area-wide standards require amending the 

RMP. 

This section of the plan also includes implementation-level actions that identify allotment-specific grazing 

management practices or livestock management guidelines, as well as constraints and needs related to 

other resources (see the management actions, below). These livestock management guidelines have been 

developed to achieve the plan objectives. Changes to these livestock management guidelines require 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-55 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

documentation of NEPA compliance and the application of the administrative grazing decision process 

defined in the regulations.

In areas designated as “available for livestock grazing,” federal grazing regulations (43 CFR 4100) 

provide uniform guidance for administering grazing on the public lands administered by BLM. The 

authority for implementing these regulations is mainly from the Taylor Grazing Act of June 28, 1934 as 

amended (43 USC 315, 315a- through 315r and FLPMA as amended by the Public Rangelands 

Improvement Act of 1978 (43 USC 1901 et seq.). Additionally, the Monument Proclamation states that 

“Laws, regulations, and policies followed by the Bureau of Land Management in issuing and 

administering grazing permits or leases on all lands under its jurisdiction shall continue to apply with 

regard to the lands in the monument.”

Livestock grazing within the Monument is currently managed under two separate types of authorizations 

utilizing different sub parts of the federal grazing regulations (43 CFR 4100). Approximately 55,900 acres 

are available under Section 15 livestock grazing leases (Section 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act), principally 

in the Temblor and Caliente Mountain Ranges, where livestock use is allowed to utilize available forage. 

For clarification in this document, these grazing leases may be referred to as “Section 15” grazing leases. 

Grazing primarily on the valley floor (approximately 114,200 acres), where livestock are allowed only as 

a vegetation management tool to meet objectives other than the production of livestock forage, is 

currently authorized under authorizations referred to as “free use” grazing permits (authorized in 43 CFR 

4130.5(b)). Livestock grazing in this vegetation management area could also be authorized through other 

mechanisms such as stewardship contracts. Grazing permits or leases authorize grazing use on specific 

management units, which are referred to as grazing “allotments”. These allotments are depicted on Map 

3-12, Grazing Allotments. See Section III.N Livestock Grazing in Chapter III for further discussion of 

grazing authorizations.

II.B.15.1 Goal

Goal GRZ-1(P): Manage all livestock grazing (either as an allowable use, such as a Section 15 grazing 

lease, which utilizes livestock forage, or as a vegetation management tool, such as a free use grazing 

permit, which meets objectives other than the production of livestock forage) in a manner that protects the 

objects of the Proclamation.

II.B.15.2 Objectives and Management Actions 

Objective GRZ-1(P): Manage livestock grazing to meet or exceed the Secretary-approved Central 

California Standards for Rangeland Health.

• Action GRZ-1(S): Assess all grazing allotments to determine if they are meeting the Standards for 

Rangeland Health.

− Adjust livestock grazing authorizations in response to assessment determinations if not meeting 

Standards for Rangeland Health and livestock are determined to be the cause.

• Action GRZ-2(I): Apply the relevant Secretary-approved Central California Rangeland Health 

Guidelines for Grazing Management as implementation is described in the ROD of 1999 to grazing 

authorizations on all areas.

Objective GRZ-2(P): Manage livestock grazing to meet, and to not be in conflict with, the management 

objectives for all other resources and programs in the Monument.

• Action GRZ-3(S): Determine resource impacts from livestock grazing (negative or positive) through 

monitoring and/or scientific study, including within Section 15 grazing allotments, to help inform 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-56 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

future decisions on land use designations and to assess if livestock grazing is meeting other program 

objectives including those biological objectives identified in the Conservation Target Table 

(Attachment 5). Monitoring may be broad-scale or species-specific. Scientific studies will be 

developed with the managing partners and input from the scientific community and other technical 

experts on the design, implementation, data analysis, and summary of the results. In accordance with 

adaptive management principles and applicable regulations, the results would be used to take action 

(for example, continue, modify, or eliminate grazing authorizations in these areas).

− Adjust livestock grazing authorizations as necessary in response to monitoring or scientific study 

determinations if they are conflicting with other resources or program objectives.

• Action GRZ-4(S): Monitor compliance with relevant grazing management guidelines.

− Adjust livestock grazing authorizations as necessary in response to compliance monitoring.

• Action GRZ-5(I*): Move the boundary fence to the official Monument boundary when resource 

benefits outweigh resource damage associated with fence construction or removal.

Objective GRZ-3(P): Continue existing livestock authorizations as required by law, regulation, and 

policy, but strive to utilize livestock grazing in the Monument only as a vegetation management tool, 

which meets objectives other than the production of livestock forage, as any voluntary relinquishments 

are offered.

• Allowable Use GRZ-1(P): Allocate 55,900 acres as "available for livestock grazing" (see Map 2-6, 

Livestock Grazing Allocations) pending any future voluntary relinquishments as described below.

• Allowable Use GRZ-2(P): Allocate 117,500 acres as "available for livestock grazing, but only for the 

purpose of vegetation management" (see Map 2-6). 

• Allowable Use GRZ-3(P): Allocate 33,100 acres as "unavailable for any livestock grazing" (see Map 

2-6). 

• Allowable Use GRZ-4(P): Upon receiving any request for voluntary relinquishment of grazing 

permitted use from a Section 15 lease, the Authorized Officer will re-evaluate whether livestock 

grazing is in the best interest of achieving the land use plan goals. All or part of the relinquished 

permitted use will be re-allocated as "available for livestock grazing, but only for the purpose of 

vegetation management" and made available to qualified applicants. Should the Authorized Officer 

examine and document that continued livestock use of all or part of that forage allocation would not 

be compatible with achieving RMP management goals and objectives, that forage allocation will be 

re-allocated as "unavailable for any livestock grazing."

• Allowable Use GRZ-5(P): Allocate any newly acquired lands as either "available for livestock 

grazing," "available for livestock grazing, but only for the purpose of vegetation management," or 

"unavailable for any livestock grazing" based on the purpose for which the lands were acquired, 

which allocation is in the best interest of achieving the land use plan goals, and considering the 

allocation of the existing lands within the surrounding livestock management unit. New or modified 

fencing may be employed to implement the new allocation if it is in conflict with the allocation for 

the rest of the pasture. 

• Action GRZ-6(I*): Authorize livestock grazing according to the regulations and grazing land use 

allocation, at levels up to those shown on the Grazing Implementation Table.

• Action GRZ-7(I): Apply the relevant Grazing Management Guidelines for the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument (see the Conservation Target Table, Attachment 5) to all grazing authorizations. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-57 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action GRZ-8(I*): Create, modify, maintain, or remove livestock management facilities to support 

livestock grazing as a use or as a management tool, or to meet other resource objectives, such as the 

protection of NRHP properties, riparian areas, sensitive plant populations, visual resources, the 

ingress and egress of wildlife, noxious weeds control, and the resolution of Monument boundary 

issues.

 

II.B.16 Recreation and Interpretation

The CPNM is a destination for a relatively small number of visitors annually, considering its proximity to 

southern and central California population centers. The majority of visitors come to directly experience 

the stark natural beauty and cultural significance unique to this landscape as opposed to the pursuit of 

leisure activities in a traditional vacation setting such as the mountains or the beach. 

The Monument provides numerous opportunities and settings for the visitor to learn about and experience 

the area’s unique natural features. Existing recreation facilities consist of mainly unpaved roads, a small 

visitor center, interpretive overlooks, and campgrounds with limited amenities. These support facilities 

are adequate for current use levels, and are in keeping with the management vision to keep the area rustic 

and natural. However, recreational and educational uses by special groups, academia, and the general 

public are expected to increase due to the rising awareness of the value of the Monument. Interpretive 

opportunities focus on the objects of the Monument Proclamation, which include world-class biological, 

cultural, and geologic resources. Protection and interpretation of these features would be a primary focus 

of future recreational development. Proposed improvements would retain a low level of development with 

“rustic” character. For the purposes of this section, “rustic” means small in scale, non-intrusive on the 

landscape, and providing primarily for visitor appreciation, safety, and protection of resources vs. comfort 

and convenience. The overall recreation management focus would be to provide settings and management 

that allows visitors to explore and experience the area on its own terms.

As part of the land use planning process, BLM lands having distinct primary recreation-tourism markets 

are identified. These areas are identified as special recreation management areas (SRMAs). Each SRMA 

has a distinct, primary recreation-tourism market as well as a corresponding and distinguishing recreation 

management strategy. The CPNM represents a distinct destination with a specific and singular 

management niche. Therefore, the entire area would be identified as one SRMA in this RMP. 

II.B.16.1 Use of Recreation Management Zones

Discrete recreation management zone boundaries are defined through the RMP. Each zone has four 

defining characteristics: 

• To serve a different recreation niche within the primary recreation market; 

• To produce a different set of recreation opportunities and facilitates the attainment of different 

experience and benefit outcomes (to individuals, households and communities, economies, and the 

environment); 

• To provide distinctive recreation settings; and

• To provide distinct management actions to meet the targeted primary recreation opportunities. 

Under the RMP, management decisions are organized by recreation management zones. The zones 

describe the physical and social setting components the visitor will encounter when visiting these specific 

areas, as well as the level of management and improvements that will be provided. Each zone would 

highlight a different recreational experience. All lands within the CPNM are designated with a recreation 

management zone. These zones are titled as the Primitive, Backcountry, and Frontcountry zones. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT II-58 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Table II.B.16-1. Recreation Management Zones 

Frontcountry Backcountry Primitive

Management Objective

Manage this zone to provide 

opportunities for visitors to engage in 

the targeted activities in a short time 

frame; for primarily day-use and to gain 

knowledge of surrounding cultural and 

natural resources of the CPNM though 

interpretation and self-discovery. 

Motorized access will be limited to 

designated roads to protect the sensitive 

natural and cultural resources contained 

in this zone. Minimal developments and 

considerable protection measures will 

be set to retain and enhance the objects 

of the Proclamation.

Manage to provide opportunities 

for visitors to engage in a remote 

isolated recreation experience. 

Manage this zone to provide 

opportunities for visitors who use 

the area to engage in sustainable, 

access for primitive day-use and 

camping opportunities to gain 

appreciation of the natural setting 

of the CPNM self-discovery, and 

OHV touring on designated routes.

Manage this zone to provide 

opportunities for visitors to find 

solitude, engage in unconfined 

recreation, and experience personal 

challenge and reflection. Preserve 

the primitive opportunities and 

wilderness characteristics in this 

zone.

Recreation Opportunity

Camping

Cultural/historical sightseeing

Wildlife viewing

Picnicking

Auto touring

Wilderness access

Photography

Hiking

Equestrian activities

Biking

Dispersed vehicle camping

Hiking

OHV touring

Cultural/historical sightseeing 

Picnicking

4-wheel-drive touring

Wilderness access

Photography

Wildlife viewing

Equestrian activities

Biking

Hunting

Hiking

Backpacking

Equestrian activities

Primitive dispersed camping

Wildlife watching

Hunting

Experience

Enjoying easy access to natural 

landscapes

Enjoying unguided and guided 

exploration

Savoring the total sensory 

experience of a natural landscape

Developing skills and abilities

Testing personal endurance

Savoring the total sensory 

experience of a natural 

landscape

Escaping everyday 

responsibilities for awhile

Gaining a greater sense of 

self-confidence

Testing personal endurance

Savoring the total sensory 

experience (sight sound, and 

smell) of a natural landscape

Enjoying risk-taking 

adventure

Feeling good about solitude, 

being isolated and independent

Enjoying an escape from 

crowds of people

Nurturing personal spiritual 

values and growth
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT II-59 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Frontcountry Backcountry Primitive

Benefits

Personal:

Sense of wellness

Improved physical fitness and 

health maintenance

Greater respect for shared cultural 

heritage

Closer relationship with the natural 

world

Enhanced sense of personal 

freedom

Improved capacity for outdoor 

physical activity

Community/Social:

Feeling that this community is a 

special place to live

Greater community involvement in 

recreation and other land use 

decisions

Greater awareness of and 

appreciation for our cultural 

heritage.

More well-rounded childhood 

development

Environmental:

Greater community ownership and 

stewardship of recreation, and 

natural resources

Greater retention of distinctive 

natural landscape features

Reduced negative human impacts

Increase awareness and protection 

of natural landscapes

Reduced looting of historic and 

prehistoric sites

Sustainability of community’s 

cultural heritage

Greater protection of wildlife, and 

plant habitat from development, 

and public land use impacts

Conservation of entire sustainable 

ecosystems

Reduced wildlife disturbance from 

recreation facility development

Economic:

Enhanced ability for visitors to find 

areas providing wanted recreation 

experiences and benefits

Increased local tourism revenue

Personal:

Greater self-reliance

Improved skills for outdoor 

enjoyment

Closer relationship with the 

natural world

Greater freedom from urban 

living

Community/Social:

Feeling that this community is 

a special place to live

Greater community 

involvement in recreation and 

other land use decisions

More well-rounded childhood 

development

Environmental:

Greater community ownership 

and stewardship of recreation, 

and natural resources

Greater retention of distinctive 

natural landscape features

Reduced negative human 

impacts

Increase awareness and 

protection of natural 

landscapes

Reduced looting of historic 

and prehistoric sites

Sustainability of community’s 

cultural heritage

Greater protection of wildlife, 

and plant habitat from 

development, and public land 

use impacts

Conservation of entire 

sustainable ecosystems

Reduced wildlife disturbance 

from recreation facility 

development

Economic:

Enhanced ability for visitors 

to find areas providing wanted 

recreation experiences and 

benefits

Increased local tourism 

revenue

Personal:

Greater self-reliance

A closer relationship with the 

natural world

Improved skills for outdoor 

enjoyment

Enhanced sense of personal 

freedom

Greater freedom from urban 

living

Community/Social:

Feeling that this community is 

a special place to live

Greater community 

involvement in recreation

and other land use decisions

More well-rounded childhood 

development

Environmental:

Greater community ownership 

and stewardship of recreation, 

and natural resources

Greater retention of distinctive 

natural landscape features

Reduced negative human 

impacts

Increase awareness and 

protection of natural 

landscapes

Reduced looting of historic 

and prehistoric sites

Sustainability of community’s 

cultural heritage

Greater protection of wildlife, 

and plant habitat from 

development, and public land 

use impacts

Conservation of entire 

sustainable ecosystems

Reduced wildlife disturbance 

from recreation facility 

development

Economic:

Enhanced ability for visitors to 

find areas providing wanted 

recreation experiences and 

benefits

Increased local tourism 

revenue
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT II-60 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Frontcountry Backcountry Primitive

Proposed Management

Opportunities for visitors to 

experience a wildland setting in 

close proximity to their home for a 

wide of range environmentally 

sound, motorized and nonmotorized, recreational activities 

Greater potential for interpretive 

developments and signing.

Minimal improvements to 

achieve targeted benefits, 

realize potential for solitude, 

unconfined primitive 

activities;

Increased effort to manage 

unauthorized motor vehicle 

use.

Increased effort to promote 

authorized motorized and 

mechanized uses 

BLM will manage this zone to 

protect wilderness 

characteristics and provide the 

targeted benefits and 

outcomes.

Note that recreation management zones also provide a framework for the Wilderness, Visual Resources, 

and Travel Management sections of this document, and are referenced in these respective sections. 

II.B.16.1.1 Primitive Zone Description 

The Primitive zone is essentially roadless and a primary management goal would be focused on 

recognizing and managing a unique and primitive undeveloped area for its “wilderness character”. This 

environmental setting would offer visitors the greatest opportunity for solitude, challenge, and selfsufficiency. Management activities here would be to maintain and restore the area to a natural functioning 

ecosystem with minimal evidence of human intrusions. Within this zone, BLM would achieve important 

resource and visitor management objectives using hand tools, except in emergency situations or where 

motorized equipment is determined to be the minimum necessary tool. Appropriate public use would 

include non-motorized/non-mechanized activities with few recreational facilities, such as trails and 

signing for resource protection or visitor safety. 

II.B.16.1.2 Backcountry Zone Description 

The Backcountry zone would represent a broad mix of uses and management. Primary recreational 

activities in the Backcountry would include hunting, and motorized and non-motorized exploration. 

Dispersed camping will also be allowed. Roads and trails with natural surfaces would be the primary 

recreational facilities provided. Despite the presence of roads in this zone, many parts of the Backcountry 

zone would remain remote and difficult to access. The Backcountry zone would present ample 

opportunities to explore the Monument “off the beaten path.” 

II.B.16.1.3 Frontcountry Zone Description 

Most of the CPNM’s existing developed recreation sites are included within this zone and additional 

visitor facilities would be focused here. Primary management goals would focus on providing visitor 

access to developed recreation and interpretive sites. Appropriate facilities within this zone could include 

interpretive overlooks, developed campgrounds, a visitor/educational center, and trailheads. The 

Frontcountry zone would offer readily available services to casual visitors, where they can learn about the 

primitive character and significant resource values of the Monument without venturing into more remote 

locations that typify the other zones and require a higher level of preparation. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-61 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.16.2 Goals

• Goal REC-1(P): Provide recreation opportunities and interpretative programs that enhance the 

public’s appreciation of the objects of the Monument Proclamation and other Monument resources.

• Goal REC-2(P): Manage Monument lands to provide quality recreation while protecting natural and 

cultural resources, promoting safety and minimizing conflicts between users and wildlife.

• Goal REC-3(P): Identify specific management zones that will each offer distinct types of recreation 

settings and opportunities to Monument visitors.

II.B.16.3 Primitive Zone Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Use

Objectives

• Objective REC-1(P): Maintain a natural landscape, with few developments, where the forces of 

nature predominate and the sights and sounds of human influence are minimized. Management would 

be kept to a minimum to provide for visitor safety or resource protection. Visitor access would be 

cross-country or on non-mechanized trails.

• Objective REC-2(P): Provide opportunities and benefits that allow freedom of access, solitude, and 

primitive non-mechanized recreation.

• Objective REC-3(P): Visitors would be expected to practice a level of personal responsibility and 

self-sufficiency that is compatible with a self-directed, primitive experience.

• Objective REC-4(P): The majority of management actions would occur outside of the Primitive zone 

so that visitors can experience freedom to choose travel and camping locations once they enter the 

zone. Management actions would prepare visitors to enter and use the Primitive zone safely and with 

minimal impacts to resources and other visitors. Management presence on-site would be subtle, in the 

form of rustic signs and non-mechanized trails, and with relatively low levels of direct visitor contact. 

Motorized roads within this zone would be either converted to trails or closed to public use. 

• Objective REC-21(P): Manage the existing 17,984-acre Caliente Mountain WSA plus 44,471 

additional acres for wilderness characteristics within the Primitive zone. (See Map 2-4.)

Management Actions

• Action REC-20(I*): Facilities determined necessary for resource protection and visitor safety may be 

provided. Typical facilities within the zone may include limited trail signing, trails, and horse hitching 

rails.

• Action REC-21(I): Interpretive information for overlooks and other features would not be provided 

within this zone, and users would be expected to practice a level of self-sufficiency commensurate 

with wilderness access. 

• Action REC-22(I): Provide minimal signing within the interior of this zone only when needed for 

resource protection or visitor safety. Emphasis would be placed on off-site information.

Allowable Use

• Allowable Use REC-4(P): A variety of non-mechanized recreational activities such as hiking, 

equestrian use, camping, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and other activities consistent with the 

goal of providing a wilderness experience would be allowed.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-62 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.16.4 Backcountry Zone Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Uses

Objectives

Objective REC-5(P): Maintain the existing, predominantly natural landscape with visitor access provided 

through a network of unpaved roads and trails. Provide rustic day-use facilities, such as trailheads and 

interpretive or informational signing and associated parking, to orient the visitor with directional, 

interpretive, and regulatory information necessary to enhance their recreational experiences and protect 

important natural and cultural resources in the area. Dispersed camping will be allowed.

Objective REC-6(P): Provide opportunities for exploration of remote areas and allow for activities 

(mechanized and motorized on-road travel) not available within the Primitive zone. The Backcountry 

zone would also provide visitors with access points to the Primitive zone.

Objective REC-7(P): Visitors would be expected to practice a level of personal responsibility in following 

management guidelines and regulations to protect the natural and cultural resources in the area and the 

recreational facilities, and to respect the rights of other users.

Objective REC-8(P): Management activities within the Backcountry zone could occur through on-site 

informational and interpretive signing and visitor contacts as well as off-site through information and 

contacts provided within the Frontcountry zone. This would provide visitors with the opportunity to 

experience a mixture of personal freedom as well as feel a sense of security. Information would focus on 

informing visitors of recreational opportunities, safety concerns, and regulations designed to protect the 

natural and cultural resources in the area. Management presence on-site would continue to be more 

apparent than in the Primitive zone, with low to moderate levels of direct visitor contact. 

Objective REC-22(P): Manage 165,180 acres as Backcountry (see Map 2-4).

Management Actions

• Action REC-23(I): Provide amenities at designated dispersed camping areas for resource protection

and to encourage use in areas that are already impacted. Facilities would retain a rustic character.

• Action REC-24(I): Provide rustic informational signage on roads, trails, at trailheads, and at other 

facilities. 

• Action REC-25(I*): Minor overlooks would be limited to pull-outs or small areas with few amenities. 

Most interpretive information will be obtained by the visitor in facilities located in the Frontcountry 

zone. 

Allowable Uses

• Allowable Use REC-5(P): A variety of non-motorized and motorized recreational activities such as 

vehicle camping, driving for pleasure, hiking, equestrian use, mountain biking, hunting, nature study, 

wildlife and wildflower viewing, nature photography, and other uses compatible with goals for the 

Backcountry zone would be allowed.

• Allowable Use REC-6(P): Low-impact, non-motorized competitive activities and events that are 

consistent with the Monument Proclamation and cultural and biological objectives may be authorized. 

Require support facilities such as parking and concessions to be located at existing or approved BLM 

sites, or outside of the Monument boundary. Competitive events shall not include the release of 

nonnative or captive-held native species. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-63 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.16.5 Frontcountry Zone 

Objectives, Management Actions, 

and Allowable Uses

Objectives 

Objective REC-9(P): The 

Frontcountry zone would have the 

majority of facilities on the CPNM. 

This zone would include the 

Goodwin Education Center, all of 

the major interpretive sites, both 

campgrounds, all administrative 

sites, Simmler Road, and parts of 

Soda Lake and Elkhorn Roads. This 

area would include the greatest concentration of interpretation, signage, and kiosks and represents the 

highest level of development relative to the other zones.

Objective REC-10(P): The Frontcountry zone would give the visitor the opportunity to learn about the 

values and features of the CPNM in a relatively short time frame while having access to the greatest level 

of safety and comfort. The majority of the visitors would access the Monument and spend time in the 

Frontcountry zone, so encounters with other visitors would be anticipated.

Objective REC-11(P): Management presence on-site would be more apparent than in both the Primitive 

and Backcountry zones with higher levels of direct visitor contacts including some opportunities for 

guided tours and other interpretive programs. 

Objective REC-23(P): Manage 19,181 acres as Frontcountry. (See Map 2-4). 

Management Actions

• Action REC-26(I*): Provide recreational and interpretive facilities with amenities that provide for 

visitor orientation, safety, comfort, and resource protection at overlooks, trailheads, and at interpretive 

kiosks. When possible, utilize construction standards that portray a rustic character. 

• Action REC-27(I*): Provide trailheads, parking areas, campgrounds, the Goodwin Education Center, 

roads, and other facilities that support the recreational and interpretation goals of the Monument.

• Action REC-28(I*): Improve and expand existing interpretive programs at existing kiosks, the 

Goodwin Education Center, Soda Lake Boardwalk, Soda Lake Overlook, Wallace Creek, Painted 

Rock, El Saucito, and other sites. Additional interpretive areas along primary access roads may be 

developed. 

• Action REC-29(I): Provide guided tours of Painted Rock and El Saucito Ranch to offer the visitor an 

opportunity to appreciate the range of cultural history in the CPNM.

• Action REC-30(I*): Expand the Goodwin Educational/Visitor’s Center to provide additional visitor 

capacity and to accommodate additional educational and interpretive programming. 

• Action REC-31(I): Provide directional and informational signage along roads and at 

recreational/interpretive facilities to help minimize the impact on resources and to provide for visitor 

safety.

Photo 10: Interpretive Tour (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-64 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Allowable Uses

• Allowable Use REC-7(P): Allow a wide variety of motorized and non-motorized uses such as driving 

for pleasure, mountain biking, equestrian use, wildflower viewing, camping at developed 

campgrounds, hiking, visiting cultural sites and other interpretive sites, and picnicking.

• Allowable Use REC-8(P): Low-impact, non-motorized competitive activities and events that are 

consistent with the Monument Proclamation and cultural and biological objectives, may be 

authorized. Require support facilities such as parking and concessions to be located at existing or 

approved BLM sites or outside of the Monument boundary. Competitive events shall not include the 

release of nonnative or captive-held native species. 

• Allowable Use REC-9(P): A 1,204-acre area from Painted Rock to Selby Rocks will be closed to the 

following: horses, livestock, dogs, and the discharge of firearms. The closed area would not include 

Selby Road or Caliente Mountain Road. (See Map 2-3, Painted Rock Exclusion Zone.)

• Allowable Use REC-10(P): An access permit would be required for all self-guided tours to Painted 

Rock. 

• Allowable Use REC-11(P): Painted Rock would be closed from dusk to dawn.

• Allowable Use REC-12(P): Prohibit campfires within the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone (Map 2-3) 

while still allowing for approved Native American ceremonial use of fire.

II.B.16.6 Monument-Wide Objectives and Management Actions 

Objective REC-12(P): Provide limited visitor facilities within the Monument as necessary for visitor 

access to provide interpretive opportunities, and for the protection of natural and cultural resources. 

• Action REC-1(P): Conduct an assessment of recreation sites and programs to determine whether or 

not they meet the criteria for charging standard or extended amenity fees under the Federal Lands 

Recreation Enhancement Act. If a site or program is determined to meet the criteria, the appropriate 

process for establishing fees will be followed, which will include opportunities for public 

involvement. 

• Action REC-2(I*): Assess and improve existing overlooks and interpretive facilities and programs as 

needed and develop additional facilities in keeping with the management goals of each zone. 

• Action REC-3(I*): Develop a comprehensive sign plan to include all directional, informational, 

educational and interpretive signage. Ensure that signing, maps, brochures, and web-based 

information provide complementary and consistent information and are part of a complete 

communication program.

• Action REC-4(I*): Develop and maintain public potable water sources where feasible at developed 

recreation facilities such as campgrounds and the Goodwin Education Center. 

• Action REC-5(I): Provide adequate and timely maintenance of all facilities and signs.

Objective REC-13(P): Allow recreation activities and group uses that are compatible with cultural and 

biological resource objectives and provide opportunities to appreciate the natural and cultural resources.

• Action REC-6(I): Develop a comprehensive communication program to provide information on 

Monument recreation opportunities:

− Incorporate a variety of media including the internet, printed materials, and on-site signing and 

kiosks.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-65 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

− Incorporate visitor safety and user ethics messages.

− Incorporate timely seasonal information such as road conditions, hunting information, and 

wildflower viewing updates. 

− Work with regional visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and other gateway community 

outreach groups to incorporate accurate Monument information into their programs (including 

safety and responsible use messages).

• Action REC-7(I): Develop a driving/riding interpretive tour through the Monument.

• Action REC-8(P): Establish a monitoring program to determine impacts from recreational use on 

natural and cultural resources and on social, physical, and operational recreation settings. If 

monitoring indicates direct impacts to resources such as cultural sites, paleontological sites, or special 

status species, take immediate corrective action, such as establishing permits, seasonal restrictions, or 

area closures. For less severe impacts, take adaptive corrective actions beginning with the least 

restrictive approach:

− Provide visitor use and ethics information. 

− Require permits or establish seasonal restrictions.

− Close areas. 

• Action REC-9(P): Permit low-impact, commercial, and organized group recreation activities and 

events that are compatible with cultural and biological resource objectives and are directly tied to 

enjoyment and appreciation of Monument resources. Permitted competitive events are allowed in the 

Backcountry and Frontcountry zones. 

• Action REC-10(P): Establish supplementary rules and regulations where required (as specified in 

Attachment 7, Supplementary Rules for Public Use) and carry forward existing supplementary rules 

and regulations to protect resources and provide for visitor safety. 

• Action REC-11(I): Develop an education and outreach program that targets motorized recreational 

visitors to increase resource protection and responsible use, and reduce the incidence of illegal offroad travel. 

• Action REC-12(I): Coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies 

with management authority over the CPNM airspace to establish parameters for commercial touring 

flights over the Monument and to discourage commercial low flying aircraft. Specific restrictions and 

stipulations would be considered for minimum altitudes and numbers of flights to preserve the 

outstanding opportunities for solitude and isolation and to protect sensitive wildlife resources. 

• Action REC-13(I): In coordination with the FAA, set the minimum acceptable altitude for aircraft to 

2,000ft without authorization from BLM for the purposes of scientific research, education, or special 

event. All aircraft are prohibited from landing within the Monument without specific authorization 

from BLM. These limitations and restrictions do not affect emergency flights and landings.

• Allowable Use REC-1(P): Aerial sports, including but not limited to: hanging gliding, skydiving, 

paragliding, parachuting gliders and hobby aircraft, shall be managed as a discretionary action 

through the Special Recreation Permit process. Any person wishing to partake in an aerial sport 

within the CPNM will need specific authorization from BLM.

Objective REC-14(I): Provide universal access to new facilities and retrofit existing facilities to comply 

with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recreation program objectives for each management 

zone. Retrofitting will also incorporate other applicable requirements such as those for historic structures.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-66 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action REC-14(I*): Assess all recreation, interpretive, 

and other public facilities and develop a retrofitting 

program so that they meet accessibility standards. 

Objective REC-15(S): Seek out new and maintain existing 

partnerships with communities and user groups to further the 

mission of the Monument and complementary community 

goals.

• Action REC-15(S): Develop and maintain partnerships 

with organized user groups such as mountain bike 

groups, hiking societies, and hunting clubs to promote 

responsible use, volunteerism, and self-policing, and to 

educate users about the Monument’s cultural and natural 

resources.

• Action REC-16(S): Develop and maintain partnerships 

with gateway communities to provide visitor services 

and/or facilities outside the Monument.

Objective REC-16(P): New types of recreation uses may be 

allowed if they are compatible with the goals and objectives 

of this plan. Such uses would be evaluated on a case by case 

basis to assess potential use conflicts, resource impacts, and safety concerns. 

• Allowable Use REC-2(P): Aboveground cache activities such as 

geocaching, earthcaching, and letter 

boxing may be allowed in non-sensitive 

areas if the proposed site is consistent 

with Monument objectives, does not 

disturb sensitive resources, and BLM 

provides written authorization for the 

specific cache site. Unauthorized caches 

would be removed. Cache activities would 

not be authorized at sites that are sensitive 

to Native Americans, such as Painted 

Rock. 

Objective REC-17(P): Target marketing 

of Monument recreation opportunities to 

visitors seeking experiences that are 

compatible with area resource protection 

objectives and the rustic setting.

• Action REC-17(S): Develop a targeted marketing plan to ensure that visitor information and outreach 

messages delivered by BLM, gateway communities, and other media are compatible with the 

Monument’s recreation niche and the protection of Monument objectives.

Objective REC-18(I): Provide a comprehensive natural and cultural resource interpretive program that 

tells the story of the Monument and its significance. (Note: This program is discussed in more detail in 

the Cultural Resources section).

Photo 11: Volunteers Working at Overlook (BLM 

File)

Photo 12: Recognizing Outstanding Volunteer (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-67 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action REC-18(I): Develop a comprehensive natural and cultural interpretive plan for the Monument 

that identifies core themes, appropriate media, key audiences, priority facility needs (including 

potential additional visitor center space), and other components.

Objective REC-19(P): Reduce the risk of death or injury to the kit fox and other listed animal species 

from accidental shootings by eliminating non-game hunting (varmint hunting).

• Action REC-19(P): In coordination with CDFG, eliminate non-game hunting (varmint hunting) 

within the Monument.

Objective REC-20(P): Continue to provide a wide variety of distinct recreation opportunities through 

zoning. Emphasize vast open spaces, opportunities for solitude, and provide for compatible dispersed 

recreation activities. 

• Allowable Use REC-3(P): Dispersed camping; considered to be low impact car camping and 

backpacking, would be allowed in designated areas (Map 3-13). Recreational vehicles, travel trailers, 

and fifth-wheels are only permitted in campgrounds. Dispersed camping areas would be monitored 

for impacts. If monitoring indicates direct impacts to resources such as cultural sites, paleontological 

sites, or special status species, corrective actions such as site stabilization or improvement, permits, 

seasonal restrictions, or area closure may be taken. For less severe impacts, corrective actions would 

be taken, beginning with the least restrictive approach:

− Provide visitor use and ethics information.

− Develop and encourage use of defined sites within dispersed camping areas. For example, 

provide for site protection, such as signage, fire rings and lantern holders, and soil stabilization.

− Require permits or establish seasonal restrictions.

− Close and rehabilitate areas. 

II.B.17 Administrative Facilities 

In general, the CPNM has adequate administrative facilities to support the management programs 

envisioned under the RMP. However, over the life of the plan, there may be a need to develop additional 

facilities and there will be a need to upgrade existing facilities to accommodate the administration of the 

Monument. 

II.B.17.1 Goal

Goal ADM-1(P): Provide facilities that are consistent with the mission of the Monument and support the 

management goals identified in this RMP.

II.B.17.2 Objectives and Management Actions

Objective ADM-1(P): Provide administrative and maintenance facilities to support the management of the 

Monument. 

• Action ADM-1(I*): Continue to maintain existing administrative sites on the Monument. This 

includes the Washburn Ranch and the MU Ranch. Consider development of an administrative 

headquarters to improve the efficiency of CPNM management, either on-Monument or in an adjacent 

area.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-68 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action ADM-2(I*): Determine the need to accommodate future employees, seasonal workforce, and 

researchers at the Washburn Ranch and increase housing capabilities as needed. 

• Action ADM-3(I*): Provide location(s) for researchers to link to the internet and other communication 

mediums for data transmission and other support needs.

• Action ADM-4(I): Maintain the facilities at the MU Ranch for employees and research housing.

• Action ADM-5(I*): Expand the Visitor Center to better accommodate employees and enhance 

educational opportunities for the public.

Objective ADM-2(I): Use “green” building techniques that minimize use of natural resources and energy 

and minimize the need for commercial power and utility corridors related to Monument administrative 

sites. 

• Action ADM-6(I*): Work with Pacific Gas & Electric and CDFG to install solar power at the Visitor 

Center and the Painted Rock Ranch to eliminate the need for the existing transmission line across the 

Monument. 

• Action ADM-7(S): Incorporate green design elements and alternative sources of power when 

developing or retrofitting any administrative sites. 

II.B.18 Travel Management

The CPNM has a long history of mechanized farming that has resulted in a large network of roads 

throughout the Monument. Some of these roads are used for visitor enjoyment of the area and for resource 

management activities. However, many other roads are no longer necessary, poorly sited, redundant, or 

causing impact on the land. The intent of the travel management program is to provide a travel network 

that will protect the Monument’s natural and cultural resources, allow for administrative access for 

management and restoration activities, and provide opportunities for visitors to experience the uniqueness 

of the CPNM while protecting the objects of the Proclamation. The travel management program also 

includes limitations on use to ensure safety or to protect resources from degradation due to excessive 

erosion, dust, wildlife disturbance, and other impacts. 

All public lands in the planning area are designated through a two-level process in this RMP. The first 

level is the Area Designation. Under the Area Designation, all BLM lands in the planning area are 

designated as either an open area, a limited area, or a closed area regarding vehicle travel under the BLM 

OHV regulations (at 43 CFR 8342). Under the Monument Proclamation, no off-road motorized or 

mechanized travel is permitted, so the area designations are either limited area or closed area in the 

Approved RMP. A second level of designation applies to the roads themselves. Roads are designated 

within the RMP along with limitations on the types of use allowed. The full definitions are described 

under Travel Management Terms in the next section. Note that BLM travel management designations 

only apply to BLM-managed lands, roads and trails, and not to county roads such as Soda Lake or 

Elkhorn roads. Also:

• Public vehicle use in the planning area is limited to routes designated in this plan. Any areas and 

routes on public lands within the planning area that are not identified explicitly in this document and 

associated maps are closed to vehicle use.

• Short spur routes designed for passenger car access to and within campgrounds, trailhead parking 

areas, and other BLM recreation sites, although they are not identified explicitly, are open to vehicles 

unless signed, gated, or otherwise closed. Use of routes regardless of designation is allowed for fire, 

emergency, administrative and other purposes as authorized under 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a)(2), (3), (4), 

and (5). 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-69 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.18.1 Travel Management Terms

Open Area: Designated areas where motorized vehicles may be operated, subject to operating regulations 

and vehicle standards set forth in BLM Manuals 8341 and 8343; or an area where all types of vehicles are 

permitted at all times, subject to the standards in BLM Manuals 8341 and 8343. There are no open areas 

designated in the planning area or proposed under this RMP, since under the Monument Proclamation, no 

off-road motorized or mechanized travel is permitted. 

Limited Area: Designated areas where the use of off-road vehicles is subject to restrictions, such as 

limiting the number or types of vehicles allowed (for example, street-legal vehicles only), dates and times 

of use (seasonal restrictions), limiting use to existing roads and trails, or limiting use to designated roads 

and trails. Under this designation, use would be allowed only on roads that are signed for use. 

Combinations of restrictions are possible, such as limiting certain types of vehicles during certain times of 

the year. 

Closed Area: Designated areas and trails where the use of off-road vehicles is prohibited. The use of offroad vehicles in closed areas may be allowed for certain reasons; however such use shall be made only 

with the approval of the authorized officer.

Designated Roads: Specific roads, primitive roads, routes, and trails as defined by BLM travel 

management policy where one of the following allowable uses apply:

− Motorized: Vehicles that are motorized including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and 

all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) powered by combustion engines or other means. Further restrictions 

may apply including type and size of vehicle, seasonal use, and license type or permit. (Note: For 

the CPNM, only street-legal vehicles are permitted under the Approved RMP.)

− Non-motorized: All modes of transport propelled by means other than combustion or electric 

motor. This includes bicycles, equestrian, pedestrian, and other livestock-based modes of 

transportation. Further restrictions may apply including type and nature of transport, size of 

vehicle, and seasonal use.

− Non-mechanized: Modes of transport consisting of no machined parts. This includes pedestrian 

travel and travel by livestock. 

− Authorized use: Modes of transport authorized by the authorizing agency.

− Closed: Closed to all motorized and mechanized vehicles. Pedestrian and equestrian use is 

permitted unless otherwise closed (for example, seasonal wildlife closures or unsafe conditions). 

The vast majority of the roads within the Monument are designated for authorized use, public foot, 

equestrian, and non-motorized traffic (such as mountain bikes). The following are exceptions: 

• Any road within 1⁄4 mile of the Washburn Administrative Site and the access road to the MU Ranch 

Headquarters buildings are closed to all public access except for specific events authorized by BLM 

(5 miles).

• The road between the Goodwin Education Center and Painted Rock would remain closed to all public 

use from March 1st to July 15th to protect nesting birds (2.5 miles).

• Primitive routes within the Caliente Mountain WSA and areas identified for management for 

wilderness characteristics would be closed to motorized uses and mechanized uses such as mountain 

bikes.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-70 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.18.2 Goal

Goal TRV-1(P). Identify and manage an effective travel network that supports management activities and 

appropriate public uses while protecting the objects of the Monument Proclamation.

II.B.18.3 Network-Wide Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Uses 

Objective TRV-1(P): Provide a safe and effective travel network (including roads and trails) that supports 

administration and public recreation use of the Monument commensurate with the respective recreation 

management zone objectives.

• Allowable Use TRV-1(P): Travel designation is limited area for the Backcountry and the Frontcountry 

zones. The Primitive zone will be designated as a closed area. No areas in the Monument are 

designated as open areas based on the Monument Proclamation. Under the Monument Proclamation, 

“the Secretary shall prohibit all motorized and mechanized vehicle use off road, except for emergency 

or authorized administrative purposes.”

• Action TRV-1(I): Develop a comprehensive travel information program that includes road/trail 

signing, brochures, web information, and other appropriate media to inform visitors of conditions, 

vehicle limitations, rules, regulations, and other safety concerns.

• Action TRV-2(I): Roads would be subject to temporary closure during wet periods and after washouts 

to minimize road damage, reduce resource impacts, and for public safety reasons. These closures 

would typically be short-term (closures would be implemented under the emergency closure authority 

of 43 CFR 8340) but would be in place until conditions improve or repairs are completed. 

Objective TRV-2(P): Provide reasonable access to private surface land inholders and mineral estate 

owners as required by law. 

• Management Action: See Lands and Realty section for right-of-way authorizations.

Objective TRV-3(I*): Ensure that the Monument road network is designed and managed to minimize 

impacts to natural and cultural resource values.

• Action TRV-3(I): Develop a road maintenance plan that identifies and determines maintenance 

techniques or reconstruction opportunities to protect cultural and biological resource sites. 

• Action TRV-4(I): Identify and close unneeded or redundant travelways as identified on Map 2-4. 

• Action TRV-5(I): Upon acquisition of private land inholdings, access roads to these parcels would be 

evaluated for inclusion in the transportation network or closure based on the following criteria:

− Are they compatible with the objectives of the RMP for protection of cultural and natural 

resources?

− Do they provide necessary access for administrative purposes?

− Do they enhance public recreation access or experiences identified for the respective recreation 

management zone? 

• Action TRV-6(I*): Roads that meet at least the first two criteria will be designated as non-motorized 

roads that meet at least the first and last criteria will remain open to public access (designated as 

motorized). All other roads will be closed.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-71 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action TRV-7(I*): Minimize impacts to water quality and other resources through proper design, 

maintenance, or minor rerouting of roads.

• Action TRV-8(I*): Take actions to reduce illegal off-road travel such as education, enforcement, and 

placement of physical barriers.

• Action TRV-9(P): Improve public safety and reduce the number of animal road-strikes by establishing 

reduced speed limits on BLM roads in high public use areas or areas with a high frequency of wildlife 

road strikes. Recommend speed limit reductions on county road segments with same issues.

• Action TRV-10(P): All existing routes within the Primitive zone would be managed for wilderness 

characteristics and designated as closed to public use. These roads will be converted into trails or 

rehabilitated back to their natural state. Certain specific routes that are necessary for administrative 

access would be available for this use based on a minimum requirements assessment (that is, an 

assessment that determines vehicle access as a necessity with no reasonable alternatives for access, 

for example, to carry heavy materials for fence repair or to remove and haul out derelict structures). 

• Allowable Use TRV-2(P): Under the Approved RMP, the travel network is designated as shown on 

Map 2-4. The miles of specific road designations are listed below:

Road Designations Area Designations

Motorized: street-legal only 166 miles Open 0 acres

Motorized 18 miles Limited 184,361 acres

Non-motorized 113 miles Closed 62,455 acres

Closed roads 42 miles

Non-mechanized 24 miles

Authorized use only 5 miles

Pedestrian only 2.3 miles

II.B.18.4 Backcountry Zone Objective and Allowable Use

Objective TRV-4(P) – Road Maintenance: The majority of the roads in the Backcountry zone would be 

maintained at a level 1 and 2 BLM maintenance standard. Many of the roads in this zone would be 

maintained only based on significant public safety issues or to prevent and/or repair damage to a natural 

or cultural resource. Roads in this zone would only be accessible with high clearance or four-wheel drive 

vehicles. 

Allowable Use TRV-3(P): Only street-licensed vehicles would be allowed in the Backcountry zone. No 

green or red sticker vehicles registered under the state OHV program would be allowed. Non-street 

licensed vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles) would be permitted on a portion of the Temblor Ridge Road from 

T31S, R21E, Section 23 to T11N, R24W, Section 7 allowing connectivity to the eastern slopes of the 

Temblors. Staging for activities and trailing of non-street licensed vehicles would be prohibited along 

Temblor Ridge Road.

II.B.18.5 Frontcountry Zone Objective, Management Action, and Allowable Use

Objective TRV-5(P) – Road Maintenance: BLM roads in this zone would be maintained at a level of 3 or 

4. This would allow most passenger cars to access popular recreation sites in good weather. 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-72 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action TRV-11(S): Work with San Luis Obispo County to maintain Soda Lake Road comparable to a 

level 4 BLM maintenance standard. 

Allowable Use TRV-4(P): Only street-licensed vehicles would be allowed in the Frontcountry zone. No 

green or red sticker vehicles registered under the state OHV program would be allowed.

II.B.19 Minerals

The Monument contains a number of extractable minerals, that is, minerals that are removed from the 

land by mining, through a well bore, or by other means. These minerals include oil and gas, sand and 

gravel, gypsite, phosphate, sodium sulfate, and others.

Under the Monument Proclamation, all federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of this 

Monument were appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or leasing 

or other disposition under the public land laws, including but not limited to withdrawal from location, 

entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and 

geothermal leasing, other than by exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the Monument. 

However, the establishment of the Monument was also subject to valid existing rights. Accordingly, only 

those valid leases, claims, and other rights that existed as of the date of the Proclamation, January 17, 

2001, may see mineral development on federal lands within the Monument.

These minerals will be managed in accordance with the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended; the 

Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970; the Mining Law of 1872, as amended; the Federal Onshore Oil 

and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987 (Reform Act); FLPMA; 43 CFR, Onshore Orders 1-8, Notices to 

Lessees; NEPA; the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and other laws, regulations, and orders, and also in 

accordance with all applicable state, county, and local laws and ordinances. 

Most aspects of the Monument’s mineral development are controlled by law and policy that give little 

latitude for discretion at the RMP level. BLM will require existing lessees to strictly adhere to all laws, 

regulations, and policies that govern existing oil and gas leases, while at the same time recognizing that 

existing leases grant the lessee certain rights. No additional requirements can be placed on an existing 

lessee that conflict with the rights already granted by the lease. However, BLM will actively work with 

leaseholders and encourage them to implement management practices that recognize and protect the 

special qualities of CPNM resources. 

As discussed in Chapter III, much of the Monument is underlain with privately owned mineral rights. 

This private ownership interest is not subject to the same framework of regulations that apply to Federal 

leases and so is discussed as a separate topic in the Approved RMP. Land management decisions must not 

preclude the ability of private mineral owners to make reasonable use of the surface, as determined in 

consideration of deed provisions as well as state and Federal law. Reasonable surface use for the 

development and operation of subsurface rights will be evaluated based on the design criteria and other 

direction of this plan. Private mineral development is subject to the provisions of NEPA (and/or the 

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)), the Endangered Species Act, and applicable state, 

county, and local laws and ordinances.

II.B.19.1 Goals

• Goal MNL-1(P): Manage the exploration, development, and abandonment of oil and gas on existing 

federal leases in a manner that protects the objects of the Monument Proclamation.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-73 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Goal MNL-2(P): Work with federal, state, county, and local agencies to ensure that the mission and 

purpose of the CPNM are furthered and only reasonable uses of public lands are made to access and 

develop private mineral estate.

• Goal MNL-3(P): Develop and manage small mineral material borrow sites on federal mineral estate 

for emergency and/or administrative use in a manner compatible with the mission of the CPNM.

II.B.19.2 Objectives and Management Actions 

II.B.19.2.1 All Mineral Exploration and Development

Objective MNL-1(I*): Establish SOPs and implementation guidelines, including BMPs, for all projects to 

ensure that Monument resources are protected while allowing reasonable access for valid existing rights 

for mineral development. SOPs and BMPs will also incorporate requirements to minimizing noise 

impacts.

II.B.19.2.2 Existing Oil and Gas Leases

Objectives

• Objective MNL-2(I*): Manage existing leases to ensure ongoing interim and timely final restoration 

of leased lands so that they are returned to natural function and conditions. 

• Objective MNL-3(S): Enforce good housekeeping requirements (that is, require operators to maintain 

a neat and orderly appearance of sites, remove junk and trash, and otherwise minimize landscape 

intrusions).

• Objective MNL-4(I*): Manage leases to minimize fragmentation of habitat (including removal of 

redundant roads and unused pipelines, storage tanks, and other infrastructure).

• Objective MNL-5(I*): Process permits in a timely fashion as required by the Leasing Reform Act of 

1987, Onshore Orders and Notices to Lessees, the Energy Act of 2005, and other laws, regulations, 

and policies; and consistent with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and dependent on 

agency staff and resource limitations. 

• Objective MNL-7(P): Manage existing leases with additional requirements (above federal standards) 

to protect Monument resources.

Management Actions

• Action MNL-1(I*): All projects will be reviewed and the SOPs contained in Attachment 3 (SOPs and 

Implementation Guidelines for Projects Affecting the Biological Environment) and Attachment 4 

(Minerals SOPs / BMPs / Implementation Guidelines and Conditions of Approval) will be applied.

• Action MNL-2(I): BLM inspection staff will inspect all facilities for environmental compliance on 

federal lands. Shut-in or abandoned wells will be inventoried and evaluated for final plugging and 

restoration prioritization. This inventory and evaluation will be completed within six months of the 

effective date of this RMP. 

• Action MNL-3(S): As leases stop producing, process termination or expiration in a timely manner. 

• Action MNL-4(I*): Conduct annual surface inspection on all leases within the CPNM to identify and 

remediate any hazards or impacts to Monument resources such as threatened and endangered species 

and cultural resources.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-74 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action MNL-5(I*): Conduct training for operators regarding CPNM management goals and sensitive 

resource values and recommended BMPs to protect these values. Review, revise, and/or develop 

additional CPNM-specific BMPs every five years, or more frequently if necessary, to protect these 

management goals and sensitive resource values. 

• Action MNL-6(I*): Manage the existing oil producing acreage on the southern side of the Caliente 

Range to maintain ecological processes and to assure prompt lease restoration upon final 

abandonment of the last well. 

• Action MNL-7(I*): Review (in conjunction with operators) existing disturbed areas (such as roads and 

well pads) and require reclamation of those areas determined to be redundant or no longer needed. 

Conduct this review within one year of the effective date of this RMP. 

• Action MNL-8(I*): Design roads, well pads, and facilities to impact and fragment the least acreage 

practicable. New facilities will be designed to maintain natural drainage and runoff patterns, reduce 

visual impacts, and reduce hazards to wildlife, especially California condors. Encourage operators to 

modify existing facilities when necessary to achieve the above objectives, and consider providing 

BLM funds to assist if requiring modifications is beyond BLM’s authority on existing leases.

• Action MNL-9(I*): Ensure BMPs are followed. Examples include: 

− Placing pipelines along roads and consolidating facilities when feasible. 

− Selecting appropriate paint colors to minimize visual impacts and otherwise meeting VRM goals. 

− Timely interim reclamation/reduction of footprint of operations after initial drilling.

− Operators will be encouraged/required to place multiple wells on a single pad where feasible in 

order to minimize unnecessary disturbance.

• Action MNL-10(I*): Wells that are not commercially developed must be properly plugged and 

abandoned and reclaimed to natural contours and revegetated as soon as appropriate; that is, 

restoration methods will consider timing of planting, acceptable species and evaluation criteria, and 

will be tailored to area-specific resource conditions and be compatible with the Monument 

Proclamation. 

• Action MNL-11(I*): Applications for Permit to Drill, Sundry Notices (leasehold activities requiring 

surface disturbance), and Final Abandonment Notices will be reviewed using the existing NEPA 

approval process, including timely posting on the Field Office’s web site. 

• Action MNL-12(I*): Require timely plugging and abandonment of depleted wells. This includes 

plugging the well bore with cement, removing all materials and equipment, and 

recontouring/revegetating as specified in the conditions of approval. 

• Action MNL-16(I*): For all new lease actions, require protection based on lease stipulations, 

conditions of approval, and BLM regulations, consistent with other BLM leases within threatened and 

endangered species habitat. 

• Action MNL-17(I*): Encourage and work with operators to implement management actions to lessen 

the visual impacts of existing developments.

• Action MNL-18(S): Over and above the requirements of BLM’s Inspection and Enforcement Strategy, 

petroleum engineering technicians will conduct detailed lease inspections of federal oil facilities and 

wells at least annually and more often when problems are found. The purpose of the inspections will 

be to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, conditions of approval, and other requirements 

that affect areas such as safety, production and royalty accountability, and the environment.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-75 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action MNL-19(I*): Encourage operators to concentrate on using federal wells to meet California 

Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Research idle well requirements. These requirements call for 

each operator to eliminate (return to production or plug) 4 percent of all 5-year idle wells (federal or 

private) per year. BLM will encourage operators to focus on federal wells within the Monument.

• Action MNL-20(S): Prioritize termination of all idle leases in the Monument.

• Action MNL-21(P): Allow access for geophysical exploration, but with conditions of approval that 

ensure protection of Monument objects (such as threatened and endangered species).

• Action MNL-22(I*): Encourage operators to conduct interim reclamation of redundant or unnecessary 

disturbed areas.

II.B.19.2.3 Other Minerals (Solids)

Objectives

• Objective MNL-6(I*): Provide for small volumes (less than 10 yards per incident) of 

administrative/emergency sand and gravel materials (for maintenance).

• Objective MNL-8(P): Provide materials to facilitate limited emergency road repair or maintenance. 

Management Actions

• Action MNL-13(I*): Identify potential site for emergency/administrative sand and gravel extraction 

(minor amounts, less than 10 yards per incident) for road maintenance, etc.

• Action MNL-23(P): Identify and develop a material site in the Monument for limited 

administrative/emergency Monument use (less than 10 yards per incident) on BLM roads. No other 

mineral materials uses will be authorized.

II.B.19.2.4 Private Mineral Estate (Use of BLM Surface for Private Mineral Activities)

Objective

• Objective MNL-9(P) -- Non-Geophysical: Allow for reasonable exploration and development of 

private mineral estate consistent with protection of Monument resources.

Management Actions

• Action MNL-14(I*): For all private oilfield actions that require use of BLM surface, including crosscountry travel on BLM lands to reach private minerals, any authorization will require the operator to 

implement “take avoidance” measures and mitigation that will protect the objects of the Monument 

Proclamation.

• Action MNL-15(I*): BLM will meet with operators to determine what sort of limitations should be 

placed on exploration and development activities to protect Monument objects while still meeting the 

legal requirements to provide “reasonable access.” This will include multiple wells per pad, seasonal 

restrictions, modifications to meet visual goals, and others. BLM will also periodically meet with 

operators and other interested parties to present proposed conditions and respond to comments. 

• Action MNL-24(I*): Primary focus is to attempt to acquire private minerals from willing sellers 

whenever surface estate is purchased.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-76 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action MNL-25(I*): Secondary focus is to attempt to acquire (from willing sellers) split estate private 

minerals (where BLM already owns the surface).

II.B.19.2.5 Geophysical Exploration

Objective

• Objective MNL-10(I*): Authorize geophysical activities within the Monument for exploration of 

mineral resources (regardless of ownership) inside or outside the boundary of the Monument in a 

manner that protects the objects of the Monument Proclamation.

Management Action 

• Action MNL-26(I*): Only authorize geophysical activities that do not result in damage to the objects 

of the Monument Proclamation. Such activities will include walking out and/or the use of helicopters 

to deploy geophone lines. On a case-by-case basis, ATVs could be used to deploy geophone lines. 

Other activities will include limiting all source points (vibroseis and shot holes) to existing roads. On 

a case-by-case basis, drilling of shot holes using heliportable or small portable drills for underground 

detonation will be allowed off road. 

II.B.20 Lands and Realty

This section provides direction for realty actions within the Monument grouped into two major categories: 

• Land tenure adjustments, which are primarily acquisition of private lands to increase the public land 

acreage within the Monument.

• Realty actions and utility corridors, which involve authorizing access across and use of public lands 

within the Monument for specific purposes.

 

The Proclamation establishing the CPNM is subject to valid existing rights. The Monument Proclamation 

provides specific guidance regarding acquisition of private inholdings, both surface estate and mineral 

estate. Lands would be acquired by BLM under the authority of FLPMA Section 205 or under any 

specific authority enacted subsequent to the plan. The requirements of the Uniform Relocation and Real 

Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 would need to be met in all land acquisitions. The Monument 

Proclamation provides specific guidance regarding land use authorizations such as rights-of-way, 

recreation and public purpose leases, land use permits, and easements. This plan incorporates the 

guidance under the authority of FLPMA Title V, Sections 501–511; Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing 

Act of 1920, as amended ; and the BLM Right-of-Way Manual, Sections 2801.11 and 2801.12. 

II.B.20.1 Goals 

• Goal LR-1(P): Land tenure adjustments such as acquisition within the Monument would be managed 

to further the overall purposes of the Monument Proclamation, which are protection of natural 

features, including endangered, threatened, and rare animal and plant species; the San Andreas Fault 

zone; Soda Lake; fossil resources; and cultural resources. 

• Goal LR-2(P): All realty actions such as rights-of-way, land use permits, and other realty actions 

within the Monument would comply with the overall purposes of the Monument Proclamation.

• Goal LR-3(P): Eliminate unauthorized use of public lands.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-77 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.B.20.2 Objectives, Management Actions, and Allowable Uses

II.B.20.2.1 Land Tenure

Objectives

• Objective LR-1(P): Retain all lands within the CPNM currently in federal ownership, except for 

certain specific situations that would further the purposes of the Monument Proclamation as described 

in the management actions below.

• Objective LR-2(P): Consolidate and/or acquire land and/or mineral estate from willing sellers. 

• Objective LR-6(P): Pursue acquisition of all lands within the Monument boundary. Where 

opportunities exist, prioritize acquisition efforts to those lands with important biological and cultural 

resources, especially those habitat types or cultural sites that currently have limited acreage in public 

ownership.

Management Actions

• Action LR-1(I*): Acquire all non-federal land and/or mineral estate within the boundaries of the 

Monument if it may further the protective purposes of the Monument, from willing sellers by 

purchase, exchange, or donation, as opportunities arise. 

• Action LR-2(S): Work with partners, such as TNC and CDFG, to pool resources and avoid duplication 

of effort.

• Action LR-3(I*): Where land cannot be acquired, pursue conservation easements or other forms of 

protection.

• Action LR-4(P): The only form of land exchange within the Monument boundary, as stated in the 

Monument Proclamation, would be an “exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the 

Monument.” Exchanges would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Lands acquired with Land, 

Water, and Conservation Funds are not available for disposal or exchange. All lands acquired through 

a compensation program would only be exchanged after consultation with appropriate agencies, such 

as USFWS and CDFG. 

• Action LR-5(P): Federal lands within the Monument are “...hereby appropriated and withdrawn from 

all forms of entry, location, selection, sale or leasing or other disposition under the public land 

laws....” Therefore, these federal lands are not open to application for land sales, state grants, 

Recreation and Public Purposes Act leases or sales, desert land entries, native allotments, or 

agricultural leases.

• Action LR-6(I*): Use so-called friendly condemnation authority to acquire parcels within the 

Monument where the landowners are willing sellers, but are unable to complete a sale to BLM due to 

title problems.

• Action LR-7(I): Acquire lands by donation, compensation, exchange, or purchase. Lands will be 

acquired based on availability, biological or cultural values, development threats, and management 

needs.

• Action LR-8(I): Identify target inholdings. Encourage sale or transference of target properties through 

a variety of methods and incentives.

• Action LR-9(I): Primary focus would be to acquire property that supports important cultural resources 

or habitat for and populations of species that are poorly represented on public lands such as sphinx 

moth and California jewelflower.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-78 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action LR-10(I): Secondary focus would include properties with important ecological characteristics 

(for example, Soda Lake and its playa system) that are potential core areas for the San Joaquin suite 

of rare species (giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, bull-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin 

antelope squirrel), or that support other important CPNM species (spadefoot toad, fairy shrimp, 

mountain plover, rare plants).

• Action LR-11(I): Target inholdings that are important in maintaining the linkage between the CPNM 

and the San Joaquin Valley.

• Action LR-12(I): Target inholdings that may have management needs or risk of development or 

occupancy.

• Action LR-13(I): Develop and maintain a GIS database showing the location of target resources to 

facilitate acquisition efforts.

II.B.20.2.2 Realty Actions and Utility Corridors

Objectives

• Objective LR-3(P): Ensure that all real estate actions initiated by BLM protect or enhance the values 

identified within the Monument Proclamation.

• Objective LR-4(P): Ensure that all real estate actions initiated by parties other than BLM are 

compatible with the values identified within the Monument Proclamation. 

• Objective LR-5(P): Manage all existing authorizations within the Monument in keeping with overall 

purposes of the Monument Proclamation while respecting valid existing rights.

• Objective LR-7(P): Minimize communication rights-of-way authorizations on the Monument. 

Allowable Uses

• Allowable Use LR-1(P): The Monument would be a right-of-way avoidance area. This means that 

applications for new rights-of-way for utility lines, wind energy, solar energy, pipelines, or other 

purposes that would cross the Monument and not directly serve a land parcel within the Monument 

would be discouraged and would likely be rejected. The U.S. could reserve rights-of-way for federal 

facilities, administrative roads, or utility rights-of-way. 

• Allowable Use LR-2(I*): Right-of-way applications would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, such 

as applications for research or scientific rights-of-way, or existing roads for private lands within the 

Monument. If granted, rights-of-way would contain terms and conditions to protect resources, such as 

any listed species and their habitat, other wildlife and their habitat, significant geologic features, and 

paleontological and cultural resources.

• Allowable Use LR-3(P): Since the Monument Proclamation withdrew all federal lands, no new 

withdrawals would be pursued or anticipated within the Monument boundary. 

• Allowable Use LR-4(P): Applications for land use permits, such as filming permits, would be 

evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on public 

lands. (This process is described further in Lands and Realty section in Chapter III, Area Description 

and Resource Values.) No apiary permits will be issued in the Monument. Still and video 

photography of the pictograph images at Painted Rock and other rock art sites in the Monument 

would be prohibited for commercial purposes. Permits would only be issued for photography related 

to activities of accredited scientific, academic, or research institutions (for example, museum or 

university). Applications would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-79 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Allowable Use LR-5(P): Pursue extinguishing overlapping withdrawals within the Monument, such as 

the “National Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management Areas” and the “Classification and 

Multiple Use” classifications. 

• Allowable Use LR-6(I*): Pursue relinquishing unneeded, existing rights-of-way, such as power lines, 

private easements, and county road easements.

• Allowable Use LR-7(I): BLM would survey and Monument (place survey markers) the exterior 

boundary of the Monument and any other boundaries within the Monument needed for administrative 

purposes. 

• Allowable Use LR-8(P): The Caliente Mountain WSA and all areas to be managed for wilderness 

characteristics (Primitive recreation management zone) would be rights-of-way exclusion areas (with 

the exception of required administrative and private inholder access).

• Allowable Use LR-9(P): The two current utility corridor designations would be removed in keeping 

with the management of the Monument as a right-of-way avoidance area. The existing rights-of-way 

currently within the designated utility corridors would be continued as long as the holders maintain 

the authorizations. Note: BLM Manual Part 2801 directs that designated utility corridors can be 

removed through a land use planning decision.

• Allowable Use LR-10(P): No new or renewed communication right-of-way would be authorized 

unless they could meet the objectives of the Monument Proclamation and the VRM classifications in 

this plan. All applications would be analyzed and authorized on a case-by-case basis. However, 

consideration will only be given to applications that are proposing to use an area that already has 

existing sites and can utilize existing facilities with no or negligible visual intrusions. As part of the 

application process, project proponents would need to provide a visual simulation of the project 

showing mitigating features to reduce its visibility from key observation points within the Monument. 

• Allowable Use LR-10(P): Require applicants to clearly demonstrate that no feasible off-Monument 

alternatives exist for placement of facilities prior to analyzing placement within the CPNM (that is, 

the burden will be on the applicant to demonstrate that location on the Monument is clearly justified 

given the management goals for the area).

Management Action

• Action LR-14(I): Work with existing communication site right-of-way holders to find alternative offMonument locations for 

facilities once their current 

leases expire.

II.B.21 Research Management

The Monument Proclamation 

directs BLM to care for and manage 

the biological, archeological, 

historical, paleontological, and 

geological resources of the 

Monument. Research provides 

critical knowledge to make 

informed, effective, and timely 

decisions regarding these resources 

and the effects of allowable uses 

and outside factors such as climate Photo 13: Research on Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-80 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

change or air quality that may affect the Monument. Research is a critical component of an adaptive 

management approach. It provides the public with an increased understanding of the resources and the 

value of protecting them. Information gained through research better equips the public to provide 

informed input about how their public lands should be managed. Some research, as with studies along the 

San Andreas Fault, can increase scientific understanding and benefit public welfare. Monitoring ongoing 

changes at the micro and macro level, surveying existing resources, and inventorying new resources are 

necessary for maintaining an overall understanding of the natural processes that are occurring and for 

adapting management actions in response to new information. See sections on Geology and Paleontology, 

and Cultural Resources for more detailed information on research related to these fields. The goal, 

objectives, and management actions for research activities are stated below. 

II.B.21.1 Goal

Goal RM-1(P): Conduct research within the Monument to improve understanding, management, and 

protection of Monument resources and to further scientific knowledge of those resources.

II.B.21.2 Objectives and Management Actions 

Research Priority

Objective RM-1(I): Authorize and encourage on-Monument research in the following order of priority:

• Research that has direct implications for improving management and protection of objects of the 

Monument Proclamation as identified as objectives in the RMP and the Conservation Target Table 

(Attachment 5). 

• Research that furthers scientific understanding of Monument resources.

• Research that has scientific value, but may have only indirect benefits for understanding or 

management of Monument resources.

Management Actions

• Action RM-1(I): Identify research priorities and update or revise annually or on an as-needed basis. 

• Action RM-2(I): Working through organizations such as TNC and universities, allow outside review 

by scientific experts, as needed, to provide recommendations on study design or effectiveness in 

meeting management goals.

• Action RM-3(I): Focus research efforts on projects or studies whose topics are useful in formulating 

management actions and promote conservation, with special emphasis on listed or sensitive species 

and their habitats and significant cultural resources.

• Action RM-4(I): Develop a strategy for prioritizing multiple research proposals.

• Action RM-5(I): Create and adopt a research code of ethics in cooperation with the managing partners 

and other professionals.

• Action RM-6(I): Maintain the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5) to determine management 

prescriptions of biological resources. Encourage and assist researchers in developing studies to 

answer questions relating to the resource targets and how management actions affect them. Update 

the table as knowledge is gained.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-81 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Research Outreach and Support

Objective RM-2(I): Provide a framework that encourages and facilitates quality research in areas of 

biologic, paleontological, geologic, and cultural resources.

Management Actions

• Action RM-7(I): Provide support, such as housing, within the Monument for researchers when 

available. Investigate other housing opportunities such as acquiring used mobile units or working 

with neighboring communities to identify available housing in the private sector.

• Action RM-8(I): Provide existing GIS, weather, and vegetation mapping data or other data as 

available, to researchers.

• Action RM-9(I): Work with species experts, members of academia, and other professionals to 

encourage research involvement. Encourage research projects that will aid in maintaining stable and 

increasing populations of threatened and endangered species, investigating topics identified in 

recovery plans.

• Action RM-10(I): Consider other outreach methods including sponsoring research symposia to inform 

the scientific and professional communities of research opportunities within the Monument.

• Action RM-11(I): Coordinate with partners and the scientific community to assess opportunities for 

establishing an on-Monument research facility.

• Action RM-12(I): Work with local schools, organizations and groups, and local communities to enlist 

citizen-scientists or other volunteers to assist with monitoring and research or field activities.

Research Data

Objective RM-3(I): Data gathered through research, inventories, and monitoring will be made available to 

the scientific community and the public to the greatest extent possible. This will exclude proprietary 

information such as cultural and paleontological resource data.

Management Actions

• Action RM-13(I): Use state-of-the-art equipment and technology consistent with BLM standards for 

accurate data collection, retrieval, and storage, and for the benefit of information-sharing with the 

public, educational institutions, and other governmental agencies.

• Action RM-14(I): Create a local information archive system of CPNM-generated research, inventory, 

and survey data for easy retrieval and use by the scientific community, other agencies, partner 

organizations, and others, to be maintained in conjunction with the Carrizo Library (excluding

cultural resources, Native American, or other proprietary information).

• Action RM-15(I): Manage data consistent with CPNM, BLM, and NLCS policies such as the 

Department of the Interior’s Adaptive Management Technical Guide (USDI 2007) and the NLCS 

Science Strategy’s science goals and objectives (BLM 2007).

• Action RM-16(I): Maintain a list of past and current research, inventory, and survey data on the 

CPNM website for use by the public.

• Action RM-17(I): Maintain current aerial photography imagery of the CPNM, digital GIS layers of 

resources and infrastructure, and utilize other technologies as changes occur and staffing and funding 

is available.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-82 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action RM-18(I): Develop an educational component to data sharing in conjunction with the 

Goodwin Education Center and the Friends of the Carrizo to provide outreach to schools and the 

public.

• Action RM-19(I): Increase the Monument’s capacity to collect relevant weather data across the 

landscape in varying habitats.

Research Proposal Evaluation/Authorization

Objective RM-4(I): Evaluate and process proposals in a timely manner while ensuring that projects meet 

Monument research objectives and protect sensitive resource values. 

Management Actions

• Action RM-20(I): All research projects will undergo an evaluation and approval process which will 

include: 

− An assessment of its priority level (see Research Priority objective).

− An appropriate level of environmental analysis (NEPA) by BLM staff.

− Incorporating project-specific stipulations.

− A final written determination, which will be in the form of an authorization, a request for changes 

to the proposal for resubmission, or denial of the project. (Cultural research and paleontological 

proposals must meet permit standards and receive approval from the State Office and Field Office 

to proceed in the field or they must be authorized through a volunteer or cooperative partnership 

meeting BLM’s Cultural Resources Manual 8100 and permit standards). 

• Action RM-21(I): Proposals determined to require further evaluation will be submitted to 

knowledgeable members of the scientific community. These experts will review proposals for 

scientific merit, how 

best to incorporate 

findings into 

management 

actions, and to 

propose additional 

research needs.

• Action RM-22(I): 

BLM will 

coordinate with the 

Monument’s Native 

American Advisory 

Committee and 

tribal and other 

Native Americans 

before approving 

research for cultural 

resources.

Photo 14: Rock Outcrop (BLM File)
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-83 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

II.C Public Involvement 

The CPNM RMP provides opportunities for the public, interested agencies, and the managing partners to 

obtain information on BLM’s implementation of the RMP management actions and to provide input to 

the management process. These are identified throughout the plan, and include the following:

• The Conservation Target Table and associated Pasture Management Table will be maintained by 

BLM and available to the public. They are considered to be works in progress and will be subject to 

ongoing review by the managing partners, the scientific community, species experts, the MAC, the 

USFWS, and the public. 

• Recreation sites and programs will be assessed to determine whether or not they meet the criteria for 

charging standard or extended amenity fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. If 

a site or program is determined to meet the criteria, the appropriate process for establishing fees will 

be followed, which will include opportunities for public involvement. 

• Use state-of-the-art equipment and technology consistent with BLM standards for accurate data 

collection, retrieval, and storage, and for the benefit of information-sharing with the public, 

educational institutions, and other governmental agencies. Maintain a list of past and current research, 

inventory, and survey data on the CPNM website for use by the public.

These opportunities for involvement are in addition to the numerous management actions with a primary 

objective related to public education and interpretation, and those opportunities that would be afforded 

during any implementation-specific NEPA process, which would be announced through newspaper and 

Federal Register notices, as required.

II.D Management Plan Implementation

Implementation of the RMP begins when the California BLM State Director signs the ROD. Many RMP 

decisions, such as allowable uses and recreation management zone allocations, become effective upon 

approval of the RMP. Management actions that require additional site-specific project planning, such as 

measures to control nonnative plant species or use of prescribed fire, will require further environmental 

analysis. A detailed, decision-specific implementation and funding strategy will also be completed to 

facilitate RMP implementation. This strategy will outline a three-to-five year schedule of priority projects 

and associated funding needs. The pace of implementation of certain cost-intensive aspects of the RMP 

(such as expanding the Visitor Center or purchasing inholdings from willing sellers) will be contingent on 

the availability of BLM and partner funding. The implementation strategy will be a “living” document, 

updated on a regular basis to retain a three-to five year outlook.

II.E Plan Evaluation/Adaptive Management 

During implementation of the RMP, additional documentation will be required to comply with NEPA and 

the Endangered Species Act. Land use planning decisions that are implemented upon approval of the 

RMP do not require any further environmental analysis or documentation. Implementation actions such as 

the above-mentioned examples of measures to control nonnative plant species or use of prescribed fire 

would require additional environmental analysis or documentation. These actions would be implemented 

within parameters established by the decisions in the RMP. Environmental documentation can vary from 

a statement of conformance with the ROD to more complex documents that analyze several alternatives. 

All such documents will be prepared with the appropriate level of public input as required by NEPA.
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-84 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Implementation of the CPNM RMP will use an adaptive management process. Adaptive management 

recognizes that ecosystems are incredibly complex and our understanding of them is limited. Thus, the 

greatest hurdle to overcome in effective resource management is uncertainty. Adaptive management 

acknowledges that there are incomplete data when dealing with natural resources and social issues, and 

that through continued research and monitoring of the success of management practices, new information 

will be collected. This new information is evaluated, and a determination is made whether to adjust the 

strategy or goals accordingly to improve success.

There are gaps in information regarding certain effects of resource management practices. However, there 

is enough reliable information, field experience, and research data to proceed with implementation of the 

plan decisions, knowing that they will have certain beneficial effects. Adaptive management is designed 

to improve implementation and increase the success in achieving the long-term goals and objectives of 

the CPNM RMP.

Essential requirements for adaptive management include:

• Clear goals and objectives (throughout RMP)

• Clear standards and guidelines (for example, California Rangeland Health Standards)

• A process for changing standards and guidelines or goals (see Section II.E, Plan Evaluation/Adaptive 

Management) 

• Monitoring and/or research aimed at adaptive management questions (ongoing)

The adaptive management process generally includes four phases: planning, implementation, monitoring, 

and evaluation. The main planning phase is completed with the publication of this document and will be 

further refined through the development of an implementation strategy and specific activity and project 

plans. The implementation phase involves actual project completion, such as instituting recreation 

carrying capacities, or completing corrective maintenance actions on a road segment. Monitoring data are 

used to assess resource conditions, identify resource conflicts, determine if objectives are being met, and 

periodically refine and update desired conditions and management strategies. The RMP decisions in the 

Approved RMP incorporate monitoring measures for a variety of resources.

Evaluation is the process in which data from monitoring are reviewed to see if management goals and 

objectives are being met and if management direction is sound. This portion of the adaptive management 

strategy examines monitoring data and uses them to draw conclusions on whether management actions 

are meeting stated goals and objectives or, if not, why. The conclusions are used to make 

recommendations on whether to continue current management strategies/implementation actions or to 

make changes to meet RMP goals and objectives. For example, in maintaining the ecological processes 

and hydrologic vitality of the Monument’s vernal pools and sag ponds, BLM will determine the role of 

livestock grazing in maintaining characteristics necessary for the health and viability of fairy shrimp 

populations, and then identify measures consistent with those findings to meet the RMP objectives for 

vernal pools and sag ponds. The process would continually evolve as improved treatment methods are 

determined through monitoring/evaluation.

An evaluation schedule needs to be set in advance to ensure that:

• evaluations are conducted at intervals that allow for corrections in management direction before crises 

develop

• monitoring data are gathered in advance to be used in the evaluation process
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-85 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• the appropriate evaluation team is assembled to conduct the evaluation

Management evaluations made too frequently will not detect changes in ecosystems because costeffective monitoring systems cannot detect changes at this scale. On the other hand, if ecosystem 

management evaluations are not conducted, or are delayed for too long, irreversible changes may take 

place without detection. To avoid this problem, two periodic management evaluations are proposed for 

the CPNM RMP. The first is an implementation evaluation, conducted every year, which will compare 

expected outcomes of projects to actual results. This evaluation will ensure that monitoring results are 

incorporated into ongoing assessments and planning. The second is a more formal plan evaluation 

conducted approximately every five years, comparing the overall rate and degree of movement towards 

broad-scale objectives and desired future conditions.

The evaluation process will generate new information that needs to be incorporated into management 

actions. New information may result in any of the following:

• Conclude that management actions are moving the landscape towards the broad-scale objectives in 

the RMP. In this case, management actions are affirmed and may not need to be adjusted.

• Conclude that further research needs to be initiated or that actions must be adjusted to more 

efficiently achieve broad-scale objectives of the RMP. If new information or research demonstrates 

better ways to achieve plan objectives, changes in activity planning and project implementation can 

be made (that is, plan maintenance). NEPA analysis may be required depending upon the nature of 

the management changes.

• Conclude that broad-scale objectives should be altered based on new information. If the new 

information indicates reconsideration of RMP objectives, a plan amendment could be considered to 

reexamine targeted future conditions and pathways to reach those conditions. Specific processes for 

modification are discussed below.

The CPNM RMP will be kept up to date through approved modification procedures including plan 

maintenance, plan amendments, or plan revision:

• RMP maintenance is the process of further refining or documenting a previously approved decision in 

an RMP (43 CFR 1610.5-4). The scope of resource uses or restrictions cannot be expanded, and the 

terms, conditions, or decisions of the approved RMP cannot be changed. Plan maintenance is a 

continual process to ensure the plan reflects the current status of decision implementation and 

knowledge of resource conditions.

• RMP amendments are prepared to change one or more of the terms, conditions, or decisions of the 

approved RMP (43 CFR 1610.5-5). A RMP may be amended to consider a new proposal or action 

that does not conform to the RMP; implement new or revised policy that changes land use planning 

decisions; respond to new, intensified, or changed uses on public lands; or consider new information 

from adaptive management monitoring, or scientific studies that change land use planning decisions. 

The RMP amendment process includes the same steps as the RMP development process, but is 

narrower in scope (that is, focuses on one or several decisions in the RMP). The RMP amendment 

process may also be completed through the NEPA environmental assessment process rather than 

through the EIS process, depending on the level of complexity.

• An RMP revision is the preparation of a new RMP to replace an existing one (43 CFR 1610.5-6). 

Revisions of the RMP may be necessary to accommodate changes in resource or user needs, policies, 

or regulations. RMP revisions are prepared using the same procedures and documentation as for new 
Chapter II: APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT II-86 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

RMPs. The typical timeframe between comprehensive BLM RMP revisions is 15 to 20 years, unless 

specific issues warrant earlier action.

The appropriate type of plan modification will be determined as part of the adaptive management process 

by monitoring and periodic comprehensive land use plan evaluations as discussed above.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Chapter III. AREA DESCRIPTION AND 

RESOURCE VALUES
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-1

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Chapter III. Area Description and 

Resource Values

III.A Introduction

The CPNM is located in California’s southern 

Coast Ranges, to the west of the San Joaquin 

Valley. The CPNM is primarily within San Luis 

Obispo County, with the easternmost portion in 

Kern County. The CPNM adjoins some of the 

most intensively managed agricultural lands and 

petroleum deposits in the U.S. and is less than 100 

air miles from Los Angeles. However, the area 

remains relatively isolated and undeveloped, and 

retains an intact landscape character. Prominent 

features include the white alkali flats of Soda 

Lake, vast open grasslands, and a broad plain 

rimmed by mountains. The plain is home to 

diverse communities of wildlife and plant species 

including several listed as threatened or 

endangered. The area is culturally important to 

Native Americans. It is traversed by the San 

Andreas Fault, which has carved valleys and 

created and moved mountains. The CPNM is 

surrounded by several small, unincorporated 

communities, with larger population centers along 

the U.S. 101 corridor to the west and San Joaquin 

Valley to the east. This chapter summarizes the 

physical, biological, cultural, social, and economic 

conditions within the CPNM and also includes a 

brief overview of relevant sections of the Monument Proclamation, laws, policies and other guidance that 

provide direction for area management. A more detailed description of area resources and issues is 

contained in the Affected Environment chapter of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS. 

III.B Biological Resources (Wildlife and Vegetation)

III.B.1 Ecological Subregion Descriptions 

CPNM Subregions

The CPNM has been divided into nine subregions based on geography and general ecological 

characteristics to provide a context for certain management prescriptions (see Map 3-1, Carrizo Plain 

Subregions). The subregions separate the area of the dry lakes from the surrounding valley floor, the 

valley from the foothills and surrounding mountains, and the Caliente Mountains into north and south 

sides. Further demarcation into northern and southern foothill and plain sections follows precipitation 

patterns. Plant community designations on the following pages are based on the existing Carrizo Plain 

vegetation map, which follows the classification system developed by Holland (1988). Each of these 

subregions is described in greater detail below. 

Photo 15: Spring in Carrizo (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Carrizo Plain North 

The Carrizo Plain North subregion includes the area of the northern Carrizo Plain between Soda Lake and 

the foothills of the Caliente Range. A small portion of CDFG American unit is within this subregion. The 

topography is generally flat, but dissected by shallow drainage courses. Elevations range from 1,950 to 

2,300 feet and soils are generally deep, sandy, and derived by erosion from the adjacent Caliente Range. 

The subregion receives slightly more precipitation and its vegetation is generally more lush than its 

southern counterparts (the Carrizo Plain Central and the Panorama Hills-Elkhorn Plain subregions). 

Virtually the entire area has been altered by activities associated with agriculture: over 75 percent of the 

subregion was previously tilled and most, if not all, grazed at one time or another. Plant communities 

include extensive wild oat (Avena spp.) dominated nonnative grassland, especially well-developed in the 

previously cultivated fields. In the drainage systems where slightly more water is available, interior Coast 

Range saltbush scrub is present. 

The subregion includes foraging and fawning habitat for pronghorn as well as generalized habitat for elk, 

kit foxes, various bats, ground-nesting birds, and burrowing owls. It also includes a number of vernal 

pools that provide a home for fairy shrimp and breeding habitat for spadefoot toads. 

As part of ongoing restoration efforts, about 500 acres in the subregion have been planted with native 

bunchgrasses, shrubs, and wildflowers to replace the nonnative grasslands with a diverse native 

bunchgrass and herb community, with shrub elements where appropriate. Prescribed burns have been 

used as a tool to prepare sites for seeding with native species. Approximately 8,000 acres are managed for 

the benefit of elk and pronghorn. There are about 2,000 acres of giant kangaroo rat habitat; however, most 

of the subregion appears to be at the northern edge of their range. The subregion includes a small portion 

of the central core area for the San Joaquin suite of sensitive species.

Carrizo Plain Central 

The Carrizo Plain Central subregion consists of the central Carrizo Plain and the area between Soda Lake 

and the Panorama Hills. Almost the entire area of the CDFG Panorama unit is within this subregion. 

Bounded by the foothills of the Temblor and Caliente Ranges, the topography is flat to gently rolling and 

intersected by drainages from the surrounding hills. Elevations range from 1,950 to 2,600 feet. Overall, 

the area is drier than the plains in the northern portion of the Monument. Like the Carrizo Plain North, 

much of this subregion was previously cultivated, was subjected to livestock grazing at one time or 

another, and now consists predominately of nonnative grassland. Since the area receives less 

precipitation, the grasslands tend to be sparser and are dominated by bromes instead of wild oats. Valley 

saltbush scrub is found at the northern edge of the subregion along the border with the Soda Lake Sink 

subregion and in patches south and east of the KCL Campground. Two other shrub communities, interior 

Coast Range saltbush scrub and upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, enter the grasslands along drainages from 

the surrounding foothills. Two federally listed endangered plants, San Joaquin woolly-threads and 

California jewelflower, are found in this subregion. Stands of Ephedra are an important shrub component 

within this subregion. 

The sparse vegetation of the Carrizo Plain Central subregion provides important core habitat for the suite 

of San Joaquin Valley sensitive species (blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit 

fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel) as well as for mountain plovers. Saltbush scrub supports the 

northern-most distribution of the Le Conte’s thrashers on the Monument. The subregion’s vernal pools 

are breeding habitat for spadefoot toads and support populations of fairy shrimp. Within sandy drainage 

bottoms are sun cups (Camissonia spp.), wildflowers that provide forage for the caterpillars of the 

endangered Kern primrose sphinx moth. The area also includes important roosting habitat for bats. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The Carrizo Plain Central subregion contains the majority of the San Joaquin Valley sensitive species 

core area. Approximately 35 percent of the subregion was previously tilled and is targeted for restoration 

with native perennial grasses, shrubs, and herbs. 

Soda Lake Sink

The Soda Lake Sink subregion forms the valley center in the northern half of the Monument, a 

predominantly flat area with minor topographic relief provided by the drainage system, which ends at the 

lake, and by an ancient clay dune system. Elevations range from 1,950 to 2,000 feet. The subregion is 

mainly alkali playa, a system of shallow basins with characteristic white salt deposits and associated 

surrounding saltbush communities. In years with adequate precipitation, the lake and playas fill with 

water, eventually drying out as the season progresses. Usually the lake dries with the cessation of rains 

and the onset of summer heat, but occasionally, as with the record rainfall in 1998, standing water can 

persist until the following rainy season. No vegetation grows within the playas, but they are edged by 

valley sink scrub, which itself is surrounded by valley saltbush scrub in the slightly less-saline soils. Six 

rare plants are found within this subregion: Jared's peppergrass, Munz’s tidy tips, Lost Hills crownscale, 

recurved larkspur, spiny-sepaled button-celery, and Hoover’s button-celery. 

With sufficient rain, temporary pools fill and, depending on the salinity, support brine shrimp and/or 

several fairy shrimp species (longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, alkali fairy shrimp, and 

pouch-pocketed fairy shrimp). Spadefoot toads breed in the less-saline pools. Soda Lake also provides 

important migratory bird habitat, most notably for long billed curlews, American avocets, and blacknecked stilts. Occasionally sandhill cranes, which historically fed among the surrounding grain fields, 

return to the lake for short periods of time. Flood-prone areas of deeply cracked brown soil provide 

habitat for wintering mountain plovers. The shrub areas surrounding the playas provide pronghorn 

fawning habitat. The area is also important habitat for a variety of shrub- and ground-nesting birds. 

The subregion includes approximately 16,000 acres of pronghorn habitat. 

Panorama Hills-Elkhorn Plain

The Panorama Hills-Elkhorn Plain subregion, sandwiched between the Carrizo Plain proper and the 

Temblor Range, includes the Panorama and Elkhorn Hills and adjoining regions. The San Andreas Fault 

forms the western boundary. All of the CDFG Elkhorn unit and part of the Panorama unit are within this 

subregion. The topography includes several broad plains within a series of ridges and intervening 

drainages in a northeast to southwest orientation. Elevations range from 1,950 to 3,250 feet. The southern 

Elkhorn Plain tends to be among the driest habitat in the Monument. Control of Russian thistle is an 

ongoing concern. 

Much of the vegetation is nonnative grassland, shifting in the drainages and higher elevations to interior 

Coast Range saltbush scrub. In the area where the Elkhorn and Panorama Hills join, upper Sonoran 

subshrub scrub occurs. The Temblor Mountain foothills, which form the southeast border of the 

subregion, are a mix of interior Coast Range saltbush scrub and spiny saltbush scrub. A few small patches 

of juniper woodland are evident in the upper elevations of the Temblor Range and in the lower Elkhorn 

Hills. Although much of the grasslands are dominated by introduced species, native bunchgrasses can be 

found on north-facing slopes and within some shrub communities. Heavy rains in March 1991 appeared 

to promote saltbush establishment in the Carrizo Plain and western San Joaquin Valley. Among other 

areas, new populations of common saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa) appeared in the drainages extending into 

the Elkhorn Plain from the Temblor Range. Although some plants have since died out, the saltbush seems 

to have reestablished populations thought extirpated by the historical practice of year-round grazing. The 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-4

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

subregion is home to the endangered San Joaquin woolly-threads, and the rare Temblor buckwheat and 

forked fiddleneck.

The area is noteworthy for having the highest known density of blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Germano and 

Williams 2005) and among the highest density of giant kangaroo rats, and includes two large areas of core 

habitat. The subregion also supports other arid land species once common in the San Joaquin Valley, such 

as short-nosed kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, and mountain plover. 

Some areas of common saltbush and, to a lesser extent, ephedra found within this subregion provide 

habitat for Le Conte’s thrasher. 

 

Temblor Range

The Temblor Range subregion contains the 

upper elevations on the eastern border of the 

Monument. The terrain is steep and eroded, 

with an aspect trending generally to the 

southwest. Elevations range from 1,950 feet to 

4,250 feet. Overall, the area is quite dry, with 

only a few springs present. Vegetation is 

primarily upper Sonoran subshrub scrub 

dissected by interior Coast Range saltbush 

scrub in the drainages and north-facing slopes, 

where one encounters native bunchgrasses as 

well. Some of the more mesic (moist) sites on 

the northwest end support juniper oak 

cismontane woodland and cismontane juniper 

woodland and scrub, and there are a few small meadows of nonnative grassland. In the southern end of 

the subregion, spiny saltbush scrub is present and there are patches of large Alvord oaks in some canyons. 

The Temblor Mountains are home to upland game species such as California quail, chukar, and mule 

deer.

The subregion is considered marginal habitat for kangaroo rats; however, during favorable conditions in 

the recent past, the species has expanded along the ridgetops and spread to the crest of the Temblor 

Range. It is better habitat for antelope ground squirrels and kit fox and provides important linkage 

between Carrizo Plain and San Joaquin Valley populations. Habitat management in this subregion is 

focused on preserving and restoring the Alvord oak populations, protecting the linkage between the 

Carrizo and the Valley, and ensuring the long-term survival of the subshrub scrub, bunchgrass, and yucca 

communities.

Caliente Foothills North

The Caliente Foothills North subregion lies along the northeast flanks of the Caliente Mountains, from the 

Monument’s northern boundary, south to the KCL campground. The subregion encompasses the 

northeast-facing slopes of the Caliente Mountains between the Carrizo Valley floor and their upper 

elevations. Most of the CDFG American unit is within this subregion. The terrain is relatively gentle to 

steep, from 1,900 to 3,200 feet in elevation. This subregion tends to get more precipitation than many 

other areas of the Monument. Because of this, the vegetation is primarily Avena (wild oat) dominated 

nonnative grassland with patches of upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, interior Coast Range saltbush scrub, 

and Diablan sage scrub in the upper elevations and more mesic sites. Some of these shrub communities in 

the upper elevations areas also have scattered juniper. A small amount of juniper oak woodland is present 

along the border with the Caliente Mountains. In the southern portion of the subregion are stringers and 

Photo 16: Temblor Range (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-5

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

patches of valley saltbush scrub. Springs and their associated riparian vegetation can be found in many of 

the canyons. Areas of native bunchgrasses, primarily needle grass (Nassella spp.) and one-sided bluegrass 

(Poa secunda ssp. secunda) are encountered throughout the subregion, most commonly on north-facing 

slopes. Much of the lower elevation lands were previously tilled and most, if not all, of the subregion was 

grazed at one time or another. Rare plants associated with vertisol clay belts in the Caliente foothills 

include oval-leaved snapdragon, heart-leaved thornmint, and pale-yellow layia. Other rare plants in the 

subregion include forked fiddleneck and San Joaquin woolly-threads. 

The subregion includes habitat for pronghorn foraging and fawning, for elk calving, and for upland birds, 

especially quail. Scattered throughout the subregion are rock outcrops that provide habitat for bats and 

birds and occasional temporary pools for fairy shrimp.

Caliente Foothills South

The Caliente Foothills South subregion lies along the northeast flanks of the Caliente Mountains, from the 

KCL campground to the Monument’s southern boundary. The subregion encompasses the northeastfacing slopes of the Caliente Mountains between the Carrizo Valley floor and their upper elevations. The 

terrain ranges from relatively gentle to steep, from 2,100 to 3,500 feet in elevation. This subregion is drier 

that the Caliente Foothills North, but more mesic than the valley floor. Vegetation is mostly upper 

Sonoran subshrub scrub transitioning to Bromus-dominated nonnative grassland in the southern end of the 

subregion. The Sonoran scrub is often dominated by Ephedra. Interspersed in the northern end are 

pockets of interior Coast Range saltbush scrub, valley saltbush scrub, juniper woodland, and nonnative 

grassland. Areas of native bunchgrasses, primarily needle grass (Nassella spp.) and one-sided bluegrass 

(P. secunda ssp. secunda) are encountered throughout the subregion, most commonly on north-facing 

slopes. Introduced annual grasses are common and especially abundant in previously cultivated areas. 

Much of the lower elevation lands were previously tilled and most, if not all, of the subregion was grazed 

at one time or another. Rare plants associated with vertisol clay belts in the Caliente foothills include 

oval-leaved snapdragon, heart-leaved thornmint, and pale-yellow layia. Federally listed plants in the 

subregion include California jewelflower, San Joaquin woolly-threads, and the recently delisted Hoover’s 

woolly-star. 

The subregion provides a little pronghorn foraging habitat as well as some habitat for kangaroo rats and 

other San Joaquin sensitive species. Some of the dry washes support sun cups (Camissonia spp.), larval 

food for Kern primrose sphinx moth. Vernal pools in the subregion provide habitat for longhorn and 

versatile fairy shrimp and breeding sites for spadefoot toads. Sag ponds, formed by irregular ground 

movement associated with the San Andreas Fault, tend to have higher alkalinity and support pouchpocketed fairy shrimp and brine shrimp. Scattered throughout the foothills are rock outcrops that provide 

habitat for bats and birds.

Caliente Mountains North

The Caliente Mountains North subregion contains the northeast-facing side of the Caliente Range. A 

small parcel of California State Schools land is within this subregion. The topography is one of relatively 

steep ridges and drainages, from 2,600 to 5,100 feet in elevation. This subregion generally has the highest 

precipitation in the Monument. Vegetation is mostly juniper oak woodland and juniper woodland, with 

the former better represented in the more mesic northwest end of the subregion. In addition, Diablan sage 

scrub is found interspersed within the woodland communities. Stands of native bunchgrasses are fairly 

common, especially in the more mesic sites. Several important springs and their associated vegetation are 

present. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-6

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Sufficient cover is available for upland birds such as California quail and chukar, and habitat is 

appropriate for deer and elk. Bears are also present. Nonnative wild pigs can be encountered, in higher 

numbers during wet years. The numerous rock outcrops and cliff faces provide habitat for raptors, other 

birds, and bats. 

Caliente Mountains South

The Caliente Mountains South subregion contains the southwest-facing side of the Caliente Range and 

extends to the southern Monument boundary. The topography is one of steep ridges and drainages, from 

1,650 to 5,100 feet in elevation. The region is quite arid; the vegetation a mosaic of Diablan sage scrub, 

upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, interior Coast Range saltbush scrub, and occasional patches of nonnative 

grassland. Stands of native bunchgrasses occur in some of the more mesic sites. A few springs and their 

associated vegetation are present and a few populations of oval-leaved snapdragon can be found in the far 

western portion,

Within the shrub communities are upland game species such as California quail and chukar and 

occasional deer are seen. The numerous rock outcrops and cliff faces provide habitat for raptors, other 

birds, and bats. 

On the southern boundary of the subregion, the flatlands and associated canyons bordering the Cuyama 

Valley could be considered a separate subregion, but this area is included in this document as part of the 

mapped Caliente Mountains South subregion. Vegetation is primarily saltbush scrub and nonnative 

grassland that provides habitat for blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant kangaroo rat, antelope squirrel, and 

populations of San Joaquin woolly-threads and Hoover’s woolly-star. 

Management concerns include yucca colonies, saltbush vegetation, springs and riparian vegetation, and 

biological crusts. In the lower saltbush vegetation, focus is on the two rare plants and the giant kangaroo 

rat, antelope squirrel, and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

III.B.2 Wildlife

III.B.2.1 Introduction and Habitat Types

The Monument Proclamation that established the CPNM recognized its exceptional biological resources 

as objects to be protected and the importance of the area as a large remnant of habitat for many wildlife

species endemic to the nearby San Joaquin Valley, and as a refuge for the dwindling flora and fauna of 

the valley. While over 90 percent of the San Joaquin Valley has been converted from grassland, 

scrubland, and wetland to intensive agricultural, urban, and energy/industrial land uses (USFWS 1998), 

the CPNM has remained largely intact as a large landscape of native wildlife. The importance of the area 

is highlighted by the role that the CPNM plays in the conservation and recovery of several San Joaquin 

Valley animals listed as threatened or endangered. The CPNM has also been designated by the National 

Audubon Society as a Globally Important Bird Area that is “an internationally important site that if 

degraded or lost would leave a lasting negative impact on bird populations.” 

Management of the Monument has focused on maintaining or enhancing the native plant communities to 

serve as high-quality wildlife habitat. Over the past 20 years, more than 40,000 acres of previously 

dryland farmed fields have reverted to grasslands and shrublands that now provide more functional 

wildlife habitats. Monitoring and research studies have been initiated to determine how the habitats 

should be managed to meet the Monument Proclamation and management plan goals.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-7

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The wildlife found within the Monument is characteristic of the San Joaquin Valley and inner Coast 

Range Mountains and includes 4 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles, 47 species of mammals, 

and 183 species of birds, of which 41 are special status species (BLM 2007a, 2007b, 2007c). The most 

common wildlife likely to be seen by visitors include desert cottontail, black-tailed hare, California 

ground squirrel, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, coyote, San Joaquin kit fox, tule elk, pronghorn, northern 

harrier, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, prairie falcon, California quail, long-billed curlew, mourning 

dove, greater roadrunner, burrowing owl, western kingbird, horned lark, scrub jay, common raven, 

mountain bluebird, loggerhead shrike, lark sparrow, sage sparrow, savannah sparrow, white-crowned 

sparrow, western meadowlark, house finch, western fence lizard, side-blotched lizard, western whiptail, 

San Joaquin coachwhip, gopher snake, and western rattlesnake.

Wildlife habitats of the San Joaquin Valley recognized as objects to be protected under the Proclamation 

include annual grassland (92,644 acres), alkali desert scrub (52,370), Soda Lake playa (4,827 acres), and 

small vernal pools (<20 acres). Other wildlife habitats include mixed chaparral (58,236 acres), piñonjuniper woodland (38,509 acres), and small unmapped aquatic and riparian habitats and small patches of 

oak woodland (see Section III.B.3, Vegetation, for further descriptions of these habitats) (Mayer and 

Laudenslayer 1988).

III.B.2.2 Special Status Animals 

Over 40 special status animals inhabit the CPNM. The CPNM has been identified as a core recovery area 

of natural lands targeted for protection in the Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin 

Valley, California (USFWS 1998). Note that the term “core area” identified on Map 3-2, Special Status 

Animals, refers to CPNM-specific core areas identified for management under this RMP and not to the 

broader core recovery area identified in the San Joaquin Valley Recovery Plan referenced above. Wildlife 

species targeted for conservation and recovery in the Monument include blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant 

kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, short-nosed kangaroo rat, Tulare 

grasshopper mouse, and San Joaquin LeConte’s thrasher. There are a variety of recovery tasks in the 

Recovery Plan to be implemented in the Monument. Since BLM is obligated under Section 7(a)(1) of the 

Endangered Species Act to carry out programs for the conservation of endangered species and threatened 

species, the recovery tasks identified for the Monument are a focus of management actions.

Giant Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ingens)

Regional Context

The giant kangaroo rat is listed as endangered by the CDFG and the USFWS (USFWS 1987); it is also 

recognized as an object of the Monument Proclamation. Population numbers of the giant kangaroo rat 

plummeted during the 20th century, mainly as a result of habitat loss as desert areas were converted to 

agriculture. Over 95 percent of the former range has been lost due to cultivation, overgrazing, mining 

operations, and invasive weeds (USFWS 1998). The CPNM provides the greatest expanse of occupied 

giant kangaroo rat habitat remaining within the range of this species. As such, the Monument has been 

identified as a critical element in the conservation and recovery of this species (USFWS 1998).

Present Condition and Trends

Populations of giant kangaroo rats have been documented to occur on over 153,000 acres from near Soda 

Lake to the extreme southern end of the Monument, in the foothills of the Caliente Range, throughout the 

Panorama Hills and Elkhorn Plain, and along the upper ridgelines of the Temblor Range (see Map 3-2, 

Special Status Animals). Populations are more robust and persistent in the dryer Elkhorn Plain and in the 

southern-central portion of the Carrizo Plain where rainfall is generally lower and where vegetative cover 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-8

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

is sparser than at the northern end of the Monument. Giant kangaroo rats are most abundant in the Carrizo 

Central and Panorama Hills-Elkhorn Plain subregions. They are found to a lesser extent in the Carrizo 

Plain North, Caliente Foothills North, Caliente Foothills South, and Soda Lake Sink subregions. They 

occasionally occur on the ridgelines of the Temblor Range. They have been observed in some of the flatbottom arroyos at the base of the Caliente Mountains South adjacent to the floor of the Cuyama Valley.

 

Giant kangaroo rats are the most abundant and dominant small mammal over the Elkhorn Plain and 

Carrizo Plains. Giant kangaroo rat distributions expand and decline with changing weather patterns 

(USFWS 1998). Population monitoring data in the Carrizo Plain and Lokern Area in western Kern 

County indicate that populations have declined in prolonged drought periods as well as in a series of 

above-average rainfall years (Williams and Germano 1994; Germano and Saslaw 2007; ESRP 2005). 

It appears that the Elkhorn Plain and the south-central portion of the Carrizo Plain have had the most 

persistent populations of giant kangaroo rats in both drought and wet periods to serve as source 

populations for population expansions. Some of the lower foothills of the Caliente Range may also serve 

this purpose.

The giant kangaroo rat is specifically identified as an object of the Proclamation and is considered a 

keystone species in the ecological function of the annual grassland and alkali desert scrub wildlife 

habitats in the Monument. As a keystone species, this animal contributes disproportionately to biotic and 

abiotic factors in the ecosystem (Goldingay et al. 1997). Kangaroo rats consume and distribute seeds of 

many plants, clip vegetation, and modify soil properties through their extensive burrowing and precinct 

maintenance activities (Brown and Heske 1990; Schiffman 1994). For example, several other endangered 

animals and plants depend on giant kangaroo rat vegetation clipping above their burrow systems, called 

precincts, for habitat structure, food, and cover (Goldingay et al. 1997; USFWS 1998). As a keystone 

species, management actions are aimed at maintaining populations of giant kangaroo rats across the 

landscape, where appropriate, to maintain ecological function within the natural range of variation. Thus, 

the distribution and abundance of giant kangaroo rats are considered to be indicators of ecosystem health 

and success in managing for many of the biological objects of the Proclamation. They are often a key 

factor in determining vegetation management objectives. 

Monitoring data suggest that giant kangaroo rats have been able to successfully manipulate the amount of 

nonnative grass and forbs in most years to maintain their distributions and abundance across the 

Monument landscape. In average rainfall periods when there are ample openings in nonnative grass cover, 

and in low rainfall periods when little vegetation structure is produced, they are generally abundant across 

the landscape of the plains. In periods of prolonged drought (such as the 1989 to 2001 period), the 

populations decline, but there are few management options to reverse these declines. In occasional wet 

periods, a landscape-wide dense cover of grass has occurred that could be the cause of extensive giant 

kangaroo rat population declines. Such wet periods may have only occurred about six times over the past 

118 years, based on Bakersfield rainfall records (NOAA 2008). 

San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) 

Regional Context

The San Joaquin kit fox is a subspecies of kit fox that inhabits much of the valley floor and foothills of 

both the Carrizo and Elkhorn Plains within the Monument. This species was listed by the federal 

government as endangered in 1967 and is included in the USFWS Recovery Plan for Upland Species of 

the San Joaquin Valley, California (USFWS 1998). The San Joaquin kit fox was listed as threatened by 

the State of California in 1971; it is also recognized as an object of the Monument Proclamation.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-9

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Based on Grinnell et al. (1937), the historical 

range for the San Joaquin kit fox is believed to 

have once included nearly the entire San 

Joaquin Valley. Current distribution includes the 

southern tip of the San Joaquin Valley to Contra 

Costa County but the kit fox is largely absent 

from the east side of the San Joaquin Valley. 

Furthermore, agriculture throughout the San 

Joaquin Valley makes distribution spotty 

(CDFG 2008a) and has caused habitat to 

become highly fragmented (Cypher et al. 2005). 

Three core populations of foxes now exist 

within their remaining range. The largest of the 

three is found in the CPNM, making this area 

vital for the recovery of the species (USFWS 

1998). A management plan that includes the survival of kit foxes as a management goal is an important 

downlisting criteria (USFWS 2007). The kit fox is considered an umbrella species (USFWS 1998) since 

its habitat requirements and occurrence overlaps many other imperiled San Joaquin Valley species. The 

USFWS and CDFG consider efforts to protect and conserve the San Joaquin kit fox to also benefit other 

San Joaquin Valley listed species.

Present Condition and Trends

Approximately 150,000 acres within the Monument are considered suitable habitat for the San Joaquin kit 

fox (see Map 3-2, Special Status Animals). The openness of the valley floor, as well as the gentle 

topography of nearby foothills, provides the necessary prey base and the ability to see and avoid predators 

such as coyotes and bobcats (Nelson 2005). Plant communities associated with kit fox habitat on the 

Carrizo Plain are valley sink scrub, valley saltbush scrub, upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, and nonnative 

grassland. The Carrizo Plain Central, Carrizo Plain North, and the Panorama Hills-Elkhorn Plain 

subregions contain the highest percentage of kit fox habitat in the Monument. The Soda Lake Sink is used 

to a lesser extent and is likely avoided because of the dense shrub cover. The lower elevation and gentle 

drainages of the Caliente Mountains South may provide important remnants for kit foxes living in the 

Cuyama Valley, but no recent observations have been recorded. 

Population estimates of foxes within the Monument are not well known. Quarterly spotlighting surveys 

have been conducted by the CDFG since 1970 and have averaged 22 kit foxes along Elkhorn Road and 16 

along Soda Lake Road. Survey numbers ranged from 4 to 66 along Elkhorn Road and from 0 to 64 along 

Soda Lake Road (Bidlack 2007). There has been a shift in kit fox distributions along Soda Lake Road, 

with fewer foxes observed in the southern portion of the survey route and a higher proportion of foxes 

observed in the northern half of the route. In contrast, the Elkhorn Road observations were relatively 

constant through the 35 years. The distributions of kit foxes were strongly correlated to the distribution of 

giant kangaroo rats. As kangaroo rats expanded their distributions between 2001 and 2006 by 83 percent 

kit fox observations also expanded with the giant kangaroo rat range. In addition, kit fox observations 

were higher in the middle portions of the routes than at the ends near the Monument boundary. Kit fox 

numbers were quite variable over time, and the populations did not correlate to rainfall or the land cover 

of grasslands or shrubs. 

Within the Monument, the availability of large tracts of relatively natural, wild lands where rodenticides 

are prohibited is important for the continued survival of kit foxes. Threats to kit fox in the CPNM include 

natural phenomena such as drought and predators, and human-caused impacts including vehicle strikes 

Photo 17: San Joaquin Kit Fox (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-10

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

and shootings. Fluctuations in prey populations due to drought or other factors affect kit fox reproduction 

in that many pups do not survive (USFWS 1998). Natural predators include coyote (Canis latrans), 

bobcat (Felis rufus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and other large raptors. 

Except for coyotes, kit foxes are a food source for these animals. Coyotes, more often than not, do not eat 

kit foxes but kill them because they are in direct competition for the same food sources (B. Cypher, 

personal communication, 2007; Nelson 2005). Red foxes are known to occur just north of the Monument 

and have not been considered a major threat. 

Vehicle strikes occur occasionally on Soda Lake Road, the main road through the Monument that receives 

the highest amount of vehicle use. Strikes have occurred along paved and unpaved sections of road but 

foxes are especially vulnerable when dens are located close to the edge of the road (BLM staff, personal 

observation, 2004-2007). There is a concern that kit fox are mistaken for young coyotes and as a result, 

killed as varmints, though this has not been documented.

Management of prey populations and an open low grass structure of vegetation have been the primary 

focus of kit fox management. Management has generally been applied to reduce the amount of nonnative 

grass to improve conditions for prey species. Studies have found that small nocturnal mammals comprise 

over 30 to 50 percent of kit fox diets, with California ground squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert 

cottontails, ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and insects making up the remainder (White et al. 1996; White 

and Ralls 1993). Cypher et al. (2000) noted that food availability appears to be the primary factor 

influencing kit fox population dynamics. Therefore, management strategies that create more abundant 

food supplies would potentially benefit kit foxes. 

They also noted that vegetation management tools 

such as controlled grazing or burning might increase 

kangaroo rat abundance. Habitat management has 

aimed to create a variety of grassland and shrubland 

conditions that favor this wide array of species 

across the landscape. 

Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila)

Regional Context 

The blunt-nosed leopard lizard was listed as 

endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior 

in 1967 and the State of California in 1971. This 

species is also included for protection under the 

California Fully Protected Species Act that prohibits 

the lawful take of this species. 

The Monument is one of largest remaining 

population centers for the blunt-nosed leopard lizard 

and has been identified as one of five key areas for 

their conservation and recovery (USFWS 1998). 

The Elkhorn Plain may represent one of the best 

remaining habitats for this species when 

environmental conditions are favorable (Germano 

and Williams 2005). The Monument offers a largescale ecosystem where many of the research and 

monitoring tasks identified in the Recovery Plan 

can be conducted.

Photo 18: Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-11

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Present Condition and Trends

Blunt-nosed leopard lizards are closely associated with the distributions of giant kangaroo rats due to the 

kangaroo rat’s vegetation clearing and burrowing activities (see Map 3-2, Special Status Animals). They 

occupy about 87,600 acres of the Monument and are most abundant on the Elkhorn Plain, in the southcentral portion of the Carrizo Plain, and in the foothills area where the vegetation structure tends to be 

more open with less dense and persistent grass cover. The number of blunt-nosed leopard lizards 

occupying a site appears to be quite variable between years and may be correlated to weather, rainfall, 

vegetative cover, and prey availability (such as grasshoppers, coleopteran beetles, bees, wasps, and ants) 

(Germano et al. 2007). 

Blunt-nosed leopard lizards are specifically recognized as an object of the Proclamation and are a focus of 

habitat management prescriptions. The acquisition of private lands on the Carrizo and Elkhorn Plains has 

made substantial contributions toward the recovery of this species. 

San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel 

(Ammospermophilus nelsoni)

Regional Context

The San Joaquin antelope squirrel was 

listed by the State of California as a 

threatened species in 1980 (CDFG 1980); 

it is also a BLM-California sensitive 

species and is specifically recognized as 

an object of the Proclamation. The CPNM

is known to support two of four 

substantial populations of San Joaquin 

antelope squirrels remaining within its 

historic range (USFWS 1998). Both the 

Carrizo and Elkhorn Plains are important 

population centers where they are often 

found in association with giant kangaroo 

rats. 

Present Condition and Trends

Antelope squirrels occur over 153,000 acres of the Monument and are most abundant in the central, 

eastern, and southern regions of the CPNM, with fewer observations in the northern area west of Soda 

Lake. They also occur at the ridgeline and slopes of the Temblor Range. San Joaquin antelope squirrels 

are most abundant in areas of sparse to moderate shrub cover, but may occur in shrub-free areas where 

giant kangaroo rat burrows are abundant or where they can easily excavate their own burrows in friable 

soils (USFWS 1998). Populations on the Monument have experienced fluctuations similar to those seen 

for giant kangaroo rats. They were commonly seen following the 1990 drought, but less abundant during 

the 1995 and 1998 El Niño period. Populations appear to have been more widespread and abundant since 

2003. However, no Monument-wide surveys have been conducted to evaluate population trends or 

determine detailed distributions. 

As described for the previous San Joaquin Valley species, acquisition of habitat by TNC, BLM, and 

CDFG have made substantial contributions to the conservation and recovery of this species. Ecological 

Photo 19: Antelope Ground Squirrel (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-12

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

studies of antelope squirrels were conducted at the Elkhorn Plain Ecological Reserve and showed some of 

the highest numbers within their range to occur there (Williams et al. 1988). 

Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus), Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis), and Other Bats

Regional Context 

Population declines have resulted in 12 of the 26 species of California bats being designated as BLMCalifornia sensitive species or California species of special concern. Four of these species (pallid bat, 

western mastiff bat, fringed myotis, and big free-tailed bat) have been documented in the CPNM. Three 

additional species (Townsend’s big-eared bat, Yuma myotis, and long-eared myotis) may also occur on 

the CPNM. Of the 26 bat species known from California, the CPNM provides documented or potential 

habitat for 12 of these species (Johnston 1998, 2007; P. Kelly, California State University-Stanislaus 

personal communication, 2000; C. Johnson, California Department of Transportation, personal 

communication, 2000; D. Williams, California State University-Stanislaus, personal communication, 

2002).

Present Condition and Trends

Loss of roosts and direct persecution by humans are thought to be the primary cause of bat population 

declines (Tuttle 1988). The presence of water also influences bat distributions. Upon emerging, most bats 

take a drink of fresh water from a pond, water trough, or other source of surface water, and then set off to 

forage. The proximity to available water and foraging areas can influences the use of roosts by bats. 

Known bat roosts in the CPNM include structures, rock formations, and hollow trees. 

Two of the CPNM bat species, the pallid bat and the western mastiff bat, are considered imperiled or at 

high risk. The number of pallid bats occurring in coastal California has continued to decline substantially 

in recent years (Johnston 1998). Individuals and maternity colonies are sensitive to human disturbances at 

roost sites, and coastal populations are threatened by the loss of oaks (Johnston 1998). Other possible 

causes for the decline include loss of habitat, pesticides, and eviction from human-made structures. 

Natural bat roosts receive little impact from visitors and are unaffected by Monument activities. However, 

many of the uninhabited human-made features that have provided roosting habitat for bats have been 

subject to deterioration, vandalism, or removal. Several structures documented to be used as bat roosts 

have been stabilized or are managed in a state of arrested decay to maintain bat habitat. Several of these 

sites are used for visitor education about bats and bat conservation. Several surveys and assessments for 

bats have been completed.

California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

Regional Context 

The California condor was listed by the State of California as a fully protected species in 1954 and was 

federally listed as endangered in 1967 (USFWS 1996). Prior to their capture in 1987, foraging California 

condors commonly used the Carrizo Plains, Panorama Hills, and the Elkhorn Plain (USFWS 1984a). 

These areas were used by condors year-round with the heaviest use recorded in late winter and spring 

(USFWS 1996). Between 1982 and 1987, condor sightings were most common on the southern portion of 

the Monument, which is adjacent to the Bittercreek National Wildlife Refuge. The CPNM is recognized 

in the Condor Recovery Plan as a key foraging area that is fairly close to traditional nesting sites (USFWS 

1996).
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-13

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Present Condition and Trends

In the past, condors would routinely travel between the La Panza Range, located just north and west of the 

CPNM, and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, located near Fillmore. A common flight path cuts across the 

Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County and follows the Cuyama Valley and Caliente Range 

ridgeline. At the northern extreme of the Caliente Range, the path crosses over Highway 166 and 

continues to Freeborn Mountain and Hubbard Hills and the La Panza Range. Foraging condors have not 

used the Monument in recent years. The availability of large carrion such as cattle, sheep, tule elk, 

pronghorn, and mule deer is believed to be an important factor in future condor use of the Monument. 

Implementing management recommendations and strategies to minimize contaminant-related mortality 

and provide lead-free and pesticide-free carcasses is identified as a Priority 1 task in the Condor Recovery 

Plan. Priority 1 tasks are actions that must be taken to prevent extinction or to prevent the species from 

declining irreversibly.

Currently, the most serious sources of human-related mortality are lead poisoning, shooting, collisions 

with power lines, and the ingestion of small pieces of garbage. With the passage of AB 821, the RidleyTree Condor Preservation Act in August 2007, lead ammunition will be regulated within the present and 

historic range of the California condor, including the Monument. 

As an object of the Proclamation, BLM manages the Monument to maintain unobstructed condor habitat 

and provide foraging areas that do not pose risks to individual birds. The USFWS still intends to utilize 

the CPNM as a supplemental feeding location for condors. In the future, use of the CPNM by condors 

may resume either as the wild condor population increases or due to use as a supplemental feeding site. 

Maintenance of foraging habitat and potential sources of food on the CPNM is identified as a Priority 1 

task in the Condor Recovery Plan. 

Condor biologists use the Elkhorn Hills to monitor the movements of radio-tagged condors. From a spur 

road leading off Elkhorn Hills Road, USFWS biologists are able to pick up radio signals from as far away 

as the Sierra foothills.

Greater Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis tabida) and Lesser Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis 

canadensis)

Regional Context

Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are winter visitors to the Monument that have been closely associated 

with the occurrence of standing water in Soda Lake and the cultivation of grain crops in adjacent farm 

fields. The most common subspecies inhabiting the Monument are lesser sandhill cranes (G. canadensis 

canadensis) – a California state species of special concern, with 5 to 10 percent of the population 

estimated to be greater sandhill cranes (G. canadensis tabida), a California-listed threatened species 

(Gernon 1978). Flocks of cranes may arrive as early as October before the fall rains create standing water 

on the lakebed, but the largest numbers are seen after substantial rains form the shallow lake on the dry 

Soda Lake playa. Cranes have been observed flying between the Soda Lake habitats and the San Joaquin 

Valley during the winter season. The birds often depart the Soda Lake wintering range in mid March.

Present Condition and Trends

The number of sandhill cranes wintering in the Monument has been declining over the past 19 years 

(Audubon 2008). Crane numbers have dropped from a high of 5,768, counted during the 1986 Christmas 

Bird Count, to a low of 0 in the 2001 count. In the 2004 and 2005 counts, there were 46 and 12 birds, 

respectively. No cranes have been observed since 2005. This decline is probably due to the elimination of 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-14

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

40,000 acres of grain crops that were cultivated by dryland farming in the Monument prior to TNC 

acquisitions in 1988 and the overall decline of cultivated grain fields in California Valley and the foothills 

adjacent to the Monument. The decline in crane numbers has not been consistent with fall precipitation, 

and has occurred while the numbers of sandhill cranes counted in California during the Christmas Bird 

Counts has remained high (above 20,000 birds in 2001). It appears that the availability of wheat directly 

adjacent to Soda Lake may have been important for cranes, since use of the CPNM by cranes has declined 

to very low numbers without such food supplies.

Historically, the activities of sandhill cranes wintering on the Monument have centered around roosting 

sites in or near Soda Lake, where large flocks gathered to spend the night. Preferred sites are associated 

with shallow water, an open shoreline, level terrain, and isolated locations away from human disturbance 

(Lewis 1976). Gernon (1978) observed cranes using sink habitats adjacent to Soda Lake as alternate 

roosting sites. However, during very wet periods, when Soda Lake and adjacent sink habitats became too 

deep in water for the cranes to use, the cranes used open grassland sites with ephemeral ponds further 

south of Soda Lake. As water depths decreased, the sink habitat with many small sinkholes became the 

primary roosting site, but Soda Lake was probably still too deep to use.

The prospect of seeing sandhill cranes in the Soda Lake area attracts many bird watchers in the winter 

season. The boardwalk constructed on the west side of Soda Lake provides an opportunity to see these 

birds on the lake. The managing partners discourage human activities around other portions of the lake 

during the winter season, to provide secure roosting habitat. No grain crops have been planted in the 

Monument since the land acquisitions by the managing partners in 1987, and the amount of grain 

cultivation has also decreased on the adjacent private lands over the past 20 years.

Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)

Regional Context 

Mountain plovers (BLM sensitive and California state species of concern) are winter visitors to the 

Monument from October through March, migrating from their summer breeding range in the western 

Great Plains and Colorado Plateau regions of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and the 

panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma. On their wintering grounds, they use open grasslands, which 

historically supported tule elk, pronghorn, and kangaroo rats. They prefer open, flat tablelands with local 

aridity, disturbance, or, when found in prairies, short intensively grazed grass (Knopf 1996). 

On their winter ranges on the CPNM, mountain plovers prefer very open habitats created by recent fires, 

heavily grazed areas, and naturally unvegetated barrens (Knopf and Rupert 1995). Clipping of vegetation 

by extensive numbers of giant kangaroo rats across large areas also provides plover habitat in most years. 

Based on repeated Carrizo Plain roadside surveys, vegetative structure can greatly influence plover use 

and distribution; however, prey abundance is equally important but less directly influenced by vegetation 

management. Vegetation management decisions (such as graze or no graze, burn or no burn decisions) 

and various stochastic events, such as tall and thick vegetation growth after rainfall events, can influence 

whether a potentially suitable area is available for plover use or not. When few sites are available on the 

CPNM, the birds likely move to farmed fields in the San Joaquin Valley (Knopf and Ruppert 1995). 

Species experts are concerned about this movement since the birds are then more likely to be exposed to 

pesticides used in agricultural farm fields.

Present Condition and Trends

On the Monument, mountain plover population numbers are variable between years. Roadside surveys 

have ranged from a high of over 500 to a low of 10 detections. While habitat suitability within the 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-15

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Monument may have an influence on the number of wintering plovers, it is more likely that factors such 

as the breeding ranges, food resources, environmental contaminants, and availability of alternate 

wintering areas determine the number and trends of mountain plovers on the Monument.

In dry years with little vegetative production, most of the grasslands with sparse shrub and herbaceous 

cover are used in the fall and winter until spring growth of annual vegetation exceeds the bird’s tolerance 

for height and cover. In wet periods of high vegetative growth and cover, only the natural barrens or 

disturbed sites are used, but the barrens have been unavailable in wet years due to standing water. 

Foraging generally occurs in habitats with less than one inch of vegetation; bare ground, including 

disturbed patches on kangaroo rat precincts; sites of heavy sheep or cattle grazing; or around water 

facilities, dirt or gravel roads, and plowed or fallowed fields. 

The maximum theoretical extent of mountain plover habitat within the Monument is approximately 

69,000 acres. This habitat may be reduced depending on the density and height of residual dry matter 

present, which fluctuates dramatically from year to year and even within the period between October and 

March when mountain plovers are most likely to be found in the Monument. Plovers first arriving at the 

Monument in fall could find either near maximum potential habitat or very few acres, depending on the 

amount and height of the remaining standing vegetation. The increase in new plant growth in the late 

winter can eventually make suitable areas unsuitable. In addition, the brown colored playas are some of 

the most frequently used habitats in the CPNM, but with sufficient rainfall they become shallow lakes, 

unsuitable for this bare-ground plover. Occasionally, the spring green season is advanced enough and in 

such abundance that mountain plovers have few areas of suitable habitat prior to their normal departure 

date of mid March.

Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea)

Regional Context 

In California, the burrowing owl is a state species of special concern and a BLM sensitive species. 

California supports one of the largest resident (year-round) and winter migrant populations of burrowing 

owls in the United States (Klute et al. 2003). The Carrizo Plain is one of the largest areas of undeveloped 

grassland habitat left for burrowing owls in California (Rosenberg et al. 1998).

Present Condition and Trends

Burrowing owls are widely distributed in the CPNM. Most nests are found on the flat plains, with the 

exception of a few found in low, rolling hills (Ronan 2002; Rosier et al. 2001). On the CPNM, owls use 

burrows created primarily by California ground squirrels. Burrowing owls prefer areas of short, sparse, 

and open vegetation. Rosenberg et al. (2007) found overwhelming selection for grassland rather than 

almost equally available scrub vegetation types. Owls also favored sites with greater numbers of largediameter burrows and burrows near vegetation that acts as a short perch (Rosenberg et al. 2007). 

The reproductive success of burrowing owls inhabiting the Monument has been associated with prey 

abundance. Ronan (2002) observed that when burrowing owl nests were successful on the Carrizo Plain 

between 1998 and 2000, productivity appeared to be positively influenced by a higher proportion of 

rodents in the diet, a pattern that may hold generally throughout California (Rosenberg and Haley 2004; 

Gervais and Anthony 2003). 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-16

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii)

Regional Context 

Western spadefoot toads (a state species of special concern and a BLM sensitive species) are nearly 

endemic to California and at one time could be found throughout the Central Valley, coastal ranges, and 

lowlands. It is currently extirpated from much of its former range (Stebbins 1985), and continues to be 

threatened by urban development and intensive agriculture (USFWS 2005a). The CPNM provides a large 

expanse of protected grassland habitats with seasonal ponds and vernal pools which are critical for 

reproduction. The western spadefoot toad co-occurs with Branchinecta longiantenna, a federally listed 

species of fairy shrimp, currently found in ponds and pools within the Monument and north of Seven Mile 

Road, outside the Monument boundary on private property. Pools located on private property lie within 

designated critical habitat for vernal pool ecosystems (see Longhorn and Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp 

discussion, below). Both B. longiantenna and S. hammondii are covered in the USFWS Recovery Plan for 

Vernal Pool Ecosystems of California and Southern Oregon (USFWS 2005a). Because they share much 

of the same habitat, both are afforded protection.

Present Condition and Trends

Spadefoot toads are almost completely terrestrial except for breeding, egg laying, and larval development, 

all of which occur in ephemeral or temporary pools (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Morey 1998). Little is 

known of the terrestrial activities of adult toads, but more is known about their breeding and reproduction. 

Currently known breeding sites occur primarily at the northern and southern ends of the CPNM, both in 

and outside of the Monument boundary, on private, federal, and state lands. These breeding sites are 

located in the Caliente Range, its foothills, and the valley floor. There are currently no known pools that 

support spadefoot toads on the Elkhorn Plain or in the Temblor Range but more breeding sites are 

expected adjacent to Soda Lake and in additional rock outcroppings.

Adult toads have been known to breed in a variety of pool types within the Monument including vernal 

pools, sag ponds, roadside puddles, sandstone outcroppings, and man-made stock ponds (BLM staff, 

personal observation, 2003). On the northern end of the Carrizo Plain, spadefoot tadpoles have been 

observed in four vernal pools located just north of the Monument on private property. Adult toads have 

been observed near Painted Rock Ranch. Numerous pools and sag ponds are located in the southwestern 

half of the Carrizo Plain, all within the Monument boundary. All ponds do not support tadpoles each year 

that water is present, most likely due to the amount of water and/or the water chemistry of the pools. 

Duration of breeding ponds varies with rainfall and pool type and directly affects reproductive success 

(Morey 1998). From 1998 to present, spadefoot toad tadpoles have been observed in 27 different ponds 

and pools within and adjacent to the CPNM. During the El Niño year of 1998, a rapid increase occurred, 

resulting in thousands of juvenile toads across the southern end of the Monument (BLM staff, personal 

observation, 1998).

Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth (Euproserpinus euterpe)

Regional Context 

The Kern primrose sphinx moth was federally listed as threatened in April 1980. In February 2002, 

lepidopterist Peter Jump observed several Kern primrose sphinx moths (E. euterpe) on the Carrizo Plain. 

New locations outside the Monument, in the Cuyama Valley near the town of Ventucopa, were also 

discovered in 2004 and 2005. Prior to these discoveries, the Kern primrose sphinx moth was known only 

from the Walker Basin area of Kern County. The Kern primrose sphinx moth was thought to be extinct 

until its rediscovery in Walker Basin in 1974 (USFWS 1984b). From 1975 to 1978, the moth was present 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-17

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

in low numbers and very restricted in distribution at the Walker Basin site (USFWS 1980). In 1979, many 

more moths were present and they ranged more widely over the Walker Basin, but were abundant only at 

one site. The discovery of Kern primrose sphinx moth in the CPNM and Cuyama Valley substantially 

extends the distribution.

Present Condition and Trends

Since the 2002 discovery, annual surveys for the Kern primrose sphinx moth have been conducted on the 

Carrizo Plain. These surveys provide preliminary information about the ecology and distribution of the 

CPNM population (Jump et al. 2006). Moths have been observed in at least five sandy washes on the 

western side of the Carrizo Plain. Two unconfirmed sites also occur on the Elkhorn Scarp. Adult moths 

were observed on the Monument in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007. Although moths were not 

observed on the Monument in 2006, they were observed in the Cuyama Valley. 

BLM has funded several monitoring efforts to determine Kern primrose sphinx moth distributions and 

habitat relationships. Most of the moth locations are on private inholdings adjacent to BLM lands. BLM 

has made an effort to contact the landowners and inquire if BLM acquisition is a possibility. Several 

washes and arroyos supporting the Kern primrose sphinx moths have been barricaded and signed to 

restrict unauthorized OHV use. Livestock grazing (sheep and cattle) occurs at several of the moth 

locations (private and BLM). The BLM sites are monitored to prevent habitat disturbance of the occupied 

sites.

Longhorn and Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna and Branchinecta lynchi)

Regional Context 

Five species of fairy shrimp are found within the Monument: longhorn fairy shrimp (B. longiantenna), 

vernal pool fairy shrimp (B. lynchi), versatile fairy shrimp (B. lindahli), alkali fairy shrimp (B. mackini), 

pouch-pocketed fairy shrimp (B. campestris), and brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). 

The longhorn fairy shrimp is endemic to California and restricted to three general areas: the foothill 

grasslands near Tracy, Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge, and the Carrizo Plain (USFWS 1994; Eng et 

al. 1990). The species was federally listed as endangered in 1994 (USFWS 1994). The vernal pool fairy 

shrimp was federally listed as threatened in 1994 (USFWS 1994). At the time of listing, the vernal pool 

fairy shrimp was only known from California. At least two sites outside California (in Jackson County in 

southern Oregon) have been discovered since publication of the 1994 final rule (USFWS 2005a). The 

vernal pool fairy shrimp is the least observed and most restricted species within the CPNM region. This 

species has only been found twice in the CPNM region, in 1985 from three pools near Cambria Road 

(CDFG 2008b) and in 1995 off Gorman Road. Both of these locations are north of Seven Mile Road, 

placing them outside the Monument boundary, and located on private property. The vernal pool fairy 

shrimp is found relatively widely in the southern and Central Valley of California, but is generally not 

abundant anywhere (Eng et al. 1990). Both the longhorn fairy shrimp and the vernal pool fairy shrimp are 

specifically recognized as objects of the Monument Proclamation.

The alkali fairy shrimp, versatile fairy shrimp, pouch-pocketed fairy shrimp, and brine shrimp are widely 

distributed in the western United States and Canada. However, the only two California locations for the 

pouch-pocketed fairy shrimp occur at Soda Lake and at a private sag pond on the southern end of the 

Carrizo Plain. 

Critical habitat for the longhorn fairy shrimp and vernal pool fairy shrimp occurs immediately north of the 

Monument boundary. The original critical habitat designation on August 6, 2003 (USFWS 2003a), 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-18

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

included approximately 15,549 acres of BLM land and 234 acres of CDFG land inside the Monument 

boundary. On August 11, 2005, USFWS revised the critical habitat boundary by excluding the portion 

within the Monument (USFWS 2005b). The USFWS concluded that the benefits of exclusion exceeded 

the benefits of inclusion (USFWS 2005b). 

Present Condition and Trends

Within the vicinity of the CPNM, the longhorn fairy shrimp has been observed at 21 locations clustered at 

the north and south ends of the plain. The 14 northern locations occur from California Valley, south to the 

northern shore of Soda Lake, and along Soda Lake Road to the American Ranch cattle guard. Four of 

these are within the Monument boundary. The sites include small and large pools and roadside ditches. 

The southern cluster begins at Padrone Road and continues south to the vicinity of the Hanline Ranch. All 

seven of these sites are within the Monument boundary. The sites at this southern end include shallow 

depressions and deeper ponds.

III.B.2.3 Featured Species

In addition to the special status species listed in the previous section, BLM has specific management 

programs in place for raptors and three additional wildlife species: pronghorn, tule elk, and long-billed 

curlew. These have been termed “featured species” for the purposes of this planning effort. Pronghorn 

and tule elk have historical associations with the regional ecology and generate a high level of visitor 

interest. The Monument provides habitat important for the long-term conservation of long-billed curlew 

and numerous raptor species.

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)

Regional Context 

Pronghorn (specifically recognized as 

an object of the Proclamation) were 

historically present in the Carrizo 

Plain, but were extirpated from San 

Luis Obispo and Kern Counties 

around 1910. Extensive agricultural 

land conversion, poaching, livestock 

competition, land use changes, and 

market hunting of pronghorn during 

early settlement eliminated most of the 

pronghorn herds in the region by the 

1870s. Between 1985 and 1990, the 

CDFG translocated 239 animals from 

northeastern California back onto the 

Carrizo Plain and several adjacent 

private lands. The CPNM supports the 

only population of free-ranging 

pronghorn on public lands in the 

Central Coast and Central Valley 

regions. Photo 20: Pronghorn Antelope (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-19

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Present Condition and Trends

Pronghorn are commonly observed in the northern valley portion of the Monument (see Map 3-3 

Pronghorn and Elk Habitat), and on adjacent private rangelands and farm fields. A separate subherd is 

found at the southern end of the Monument and adjacent farm fields in the Cuyama Valley. 

Of the 239 animals translocated to the area, approximately 142 pronghorn were released within the 

CPNM (Bob Stafford, CDFG, personal communication, 2007; Longshore and Lowrey 2007). Between 

1990 and 2002 the population of the herd unit experienced a steady decline from the original 142 animals 

to 44 animals. There has been a recent increase of the herd to 84 animals in 2007. 

A study of pronghorn habitat suitability, fawn bed site selection, and food habitats was conducted in the 

CPNM in 2003 and 2004 (Longshore and Lowrey 2007). This study evaluated the suitability of grassland 

and grassland/scrub habitats occupied by pronghorn in the Monument and determined that the best 

available habitat in the CPNM to be of moderate quality. The study indicated that topography and 

distance to water indicated high quality pronghorn habitat. Overall, the study suggests that without habitat 

rehabilitation, the present-day CPNM may not contain enough suitable habitat to support a viable 

population of pronghorn antelope. Restoration of native bunchgrasses and shrubs are considered 

important to improve habitat suitability.

Following the translocations into the Carrizo Plain, CDFG delineated a herd management unit with a 

boundary of State Route 166 on the south, State Route 46 on the north, the Temblor Range on the East, 

and State Route 101 on the west. CDFG is managing the herd unit to double the number of translocated 

animals to about 500 in total, with 250 to 300 within the Monument.

Since 1998, CDFG and BLM have modified or removed over 150 miles of fence in the Monument to 

meet pronghorn passage standards. Fence removal/retrofit efforts have been primarily directed to areas 

considered the best pronghorn habitat. In addition, efforts have been made to maintain water troughs to 

provide water for pronghorn during the summer months (out of the livestock grazing season). Livestock 

grazing management prescriptions have also been modified to maintain greater vegetative cover in 

pronghorn fawning areas. 

Tule Elk (Cervus elaphus nanodes) 

Regional Context 

Tule elk are specifically recognized as an object of the Proclamation. Prior to European settlement in the 

mid 1800s, tule elk were the most abundant game animal in California (Burcham 1981) and 

approximately 500,000 tule elk inhabited the state (CDFG 2002). By the late 1860s, tule elk were 

extirpated from all but one small locale in the southern San Joaquin Valley and genetic studies indicate 

that fewer than 5 animals persisted (Matocq et al. 2002; Meredith et al. 2007). However, with protection 

of the herds from hunting and the translocation of excess animals into several suitable habitats, the 

populations increased. The population that currently exists on the CPNM is the result of translocations to 

adjacent areas in 1983 and 1985. The Monument is one of several public reserves that support tule elk in 

Central California, including the Tule Elk Reserve in Kern County and the San Luis National Wildlife 

Refuge in Merced County, both of which are confined in fenced paddocks less than 3,000 acres in size. 

However, the Carrizo Plain and adjacent CDFG Chimineas Ranch herd contain the largest free-ranging 

tule elk in the Central Coast region and this herd has the potential to be the largest tule elk herd in the 

state.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-20

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Present Condition and Trends

The tule elk found on the Monument are the result of a translocation of 20 animals to the Chimineas 

Ranch in 1983 and another 120 animals to various locations in San Luis Obispo County in 1985. Since 

that time, the herd has increased to a minimum of 630 in 2007 (CDFG 2007). These animals are managed 

as the La Panza Elk Management Unit, which ranges north from San Luis Obispo and western Kern 

Counties into Monterey and San Benito Counties. There are two groups of elk that use small portions of 

the Monument. The largest group of 165 elk is found in the American Ranch and Painted Rock areas, 

moving back and forth to the northern Chimineas Ranch (see Map 3-3, Pronghorn and Elk Habitat). The 

second group of about 75 animals ranges from Sycamore Canyon in the Los Padres National Forest to 

Morales Canyon on the CPNM. Approximately 2,000 acres of this area is located within the boundaries 

of the Monument. 

Prior to 2004, the north CPNM group generally resided in the remote hilly country where they were rarely 

seen by visitors. In recent years, this group has ventured out onto the flatlands and lower foothills around 

Painted Rock and the Washburn Ranch. These elk most often use the ungrazed CDFG lands and ungrazed 

BLM pastures in the Monument and tend to segregate themselves from cattle when using private ranch 

lands (B. Stafford, CDFG, personal communication, 2007). 

The south CPNM group is found in the juniper woodlands, grasslands, and scrub habitats of the 

southwestern foothills of the Caliente Range. They tend to move east-west to the Chimineas Ranch and 

lower slopes of the Cuyama Valley oak woodlands. In the Monument, they may be found on the lower 

ridgelines and upper reaches of Morales Canyon.

The BLM and CDFG lands of the Monument provide a large area of public lands for hunter access to the 

elk. Since 1993, there have been annual hunting seasons in the La Panza Management Unit with an 

allocation of 6 to 12 bull elk and 6 to 12 cow elk per year. Hunter success is quite variable, depending on 

whether the animals are found on the public lands or have moved onto the adjacent private lands where 

hunter access is restricted. Harvest objectives are to maintain at least 25 bulls per 100 cows. In 2001, 

there were 49 bulls per 100 cows and 28 calves per 100 cows (CDFG 2002). Population modeling by the 

CDFG for the projected harvest of 18 bull elk and 19 cow elk within the herd unit indicates that there 

would not be a reduction of herd size, the bull-to-cow ratio objective would be met, and the calf-to-cow 

ratio would increase (CDFG 2002).

Long-Billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

Regional Context 

Long-billed curlews are both a shorebird and a grassland species. Curlews, on the CPNM, forage in the 

grasslands and roost in ponds near Soda Lake at night. In California, long-billed curlews are known to 

winter along the coast and in the Central Valley. They are a bird with highly migratory habits that require 

many interconnected stops (Sibley 2001). This suggests that a reliable protected area such as the 

Monument may play an important role for wintering.

Long-billed curlews are also a very popular bird for both birdwatchers and the general public who visit 

the Monument. This bird has been on the logo for both the Natural Area and Monument for over 10 years. 

Present Condition and Trends

Long-billed curlews arrive in the Monument in the fall and leave for summer breeding ranges in the 

interior Great Basin in April (a few can be found in early May). Some nonbreeding birds summer on the 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-21

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Central California coast. Small numbers of long-billed curlews have been observed in the CPNM during 

the summer (S. Fitton, BLM, personal communication, 2008; BLM staff, personal observation). Winter 

survey numbers for curlews in early 2006-2008 ranged from 21 to 850 birds. Roost counts for 2007 and 

2008 had 679 and763 birds, respectively. Christmas Bird Counts on the Carrizo Plain since 1983 have 

ranged from 3 to over 2,500 birds, with an average of 375 birds (Audubon 2008). While there is no 

apparent trend in the winter birds, the 1999 and 2000 counts were very low (30 and 3, respectively), and 

the 2004 to 2005 counts showed some rebound (58 and 155, respectively). Flocks numbering as high as 

3,000 have been observed outside of counts. These numbers likely reflect a variety of factors both within 

the Monument and across the western populations.

Curlews are most often seen using large flat grasslands with suitable openings in shrub cover to avoid 

predators and obtain takeoff and landings. On breeding ranges in the Great Basin, long-billed curlews 

were negatively correlated with vegetation height and percent vertical coverage (Bicak et al. 1981). Very 

little information about curlew use of non-wetland habitats in the Central Valley has been recorded 

(Dugger and Dugger 2002). Long-billed curlews on the Monument have been observed foraging in 

habitats ranging from bare ground (including burned areas) to grasses taller than the curlews. In 2007 the 

Point Reyes Bird Observatory and Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County initiated a census 

of long-billed curlews in the Carrizo Plain, Central Valley, and Imperial Valley to evaluate distributions 

and habitat use in these areas.

Raptors

Regional Context 

Over 20 different species of raptors including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls can be found within the 

CPNM. Some inhabit the plains and surrounding mountains year-round, while others winter here, make 

brief stops during spring and fall migration periods, or arrive to breed and nest in one of the varied types 

of habitats that make up the Monument. The Carrizo Plain has been described as an area with extremely 

high raptor habitat values (Olendorff et al. 1989). Some of these values include rock outcroppings, dry 

washes with steep, vertical banks, Soda Lake and other ephemeral ponds, and large rodent and other prey

populations.

The Swainson’s hawk is listed by California as a threatened species and the northern harrier, long-eared 

owl, short-eared owl, burrowing owl, and loggerhead shrike are listed by the state as species of special 

concern. With the loss of habitat occurring for many grassland species such as the ferruginous hawk and 

northern harrier, the CPNM becomes increasingly important for wintering and nesting.

Present Condition and Trends

The largest number of raptor species occurs during the months of October through April when the birds 

use the CPNM for their wintering grounds. The fewest species occur during the summer months (Fitton 

1998). Common fall and winter birds include the ferruginous hawk, rough-legged hawk, merlin, and longeared owl. Less commonly seen migrants have included the white-tailed kite, Swainson’s hawk, and bald 

eagle. Some of the more common raptors that are found throughout the year on the CPNM are the 

northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle, American kestrel, prairie falcon, great horned owl, shorteared owl, burrowing owl, and barn owl. 

In general, the diversity of migratory raptor species increases in the northwest part of the Monument, with 

more overall species found in the foothills of the Caliente Mountains (Fitton 1998). Several species 

choose rock outcroppings or vertical faces in large gullies or man-made structures for nesting. The

grasslands provide many food sources for raptors including passerines, giant and other species of
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-22

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

kangaroo rats, ground squirrels and other rodents, lagomorphs, and many reptile species. Six power lines 

that traverse the CPNM in varying locations are used predominantly by red-tailed hawks, ravens, and 

prairie falcons as nesting and roosting sites. Fences and ornamental trees also serve as perches, roosts, and 

nest sites. Burrows created by ground squirrels, kit fox, or badgers provide homes for burrowing owls, 

while areas of tall grass and shrubs serve as nest habitat for northern harrier and short-eared owls.

Two of the more well-known rock outcroppings, the Selby Rocks and Painted Rock, are monitored during 

the breeding and nesting season to protect nest sites from visitor impacts. Both have been nesting sites for 

prairie falcons, golden eagles, and several owl species. Selby Rocks are posted to remind visitors of the 

sensitive nature of nesting birds. Painted Rock is closed each year during the nesting season with access 

allowed by guided tour only. Tour guides are instructed in how to conduct tours in a minimally invasive 

manner that protects the nest site(s). Nest sites at other locations are recorded and monitored periodically. 

Though many raptor nest sites have been located since the 1980s, little is known about the nesting 

locations on much of the Monument, especially in the Temblor and Caliente Ranges, or how many 

nesting sites there are for any one species.

III.B.3 Vegetation 

III.B.3.1 General Botanical Setting

The Carrizo Plain is at the interface 

between the Coast Range and the 

drier, more desert-like San Joaquin 

Valley. The Carrizo Plain’s valley 

floor contains the closed-basin Soda 

Lake system, surrounded by alkalitolerant shrub communities, 

grasslands, and herb-dominated 

communities now dominated by 

nonnative annual species. The 

grasslands of CPNM’s higher 

elevations (2,300 to 3,250 feet) 

support a higher proportion of native 

perennial grasses not characteristic of 

the southern San Joaquin Valley 

floor (Wester 1981; Hamilton 1997; 

Holstein 2001) and include shrub and 

woodland communities with more 

overall affinity to the Coast Ranges 

than to the San Joaquin Valley 

(Holland 1988). The upper Sonoran 

subshrub scrub vegetation is 

common to both the Carrizo Plain 

and the San Joaquin Valley. In 

general, the distribution of species 

and natural communities within the 

Monument reflect the gradation of 

wetter to drier climate from north to 

south and from west to east. The 

northern end of the CPNM averages 

10 to 12 inches of annual Photo 21: California Poppies (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-23

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

precipitation and is dominated by annual grasses, while the southern Carrizo Plain and the Elkhorn Plain 

average 5 to 8 inches annual precipitation and tend to have a more open vegetation of annual plants and 

shrubs, a mixture of coastal, San Joaquin Valley, and Mojave Desert species. The vegetation of the 

northern slopes of the Temblor and Caliente Ranges, which receive more moisture than the plains, 

consists of abundant native perennial grasses, shrubs, and woodlands. In contrast, the extremely dry south 

sides of the Caliente and Temblor Ranges receive less precipitation than the plains and are characterized 

by more xeric (dry) shrub communities. Similar effects of north and south slopes can be seen throughout 

the Monument on a much smaller scale, wherever there is varied topography. This variation in plant 

community and topography has resulted in a species-rich flora of close to 700 species. 

The native habitat on the Monument has been influenced by past human activity. Much of the valley floor 

was dry-farmed, primarily for grain. Grazing by cattle and sheep was widespread and not always in 

balance with vegetative production. Springs were altered to provide water for livestock and for human 

use. Some trees were cut for fence posts, and others were probably used for firewood. In other areas, 

particularly around homesteads, nonnative trees were planted in this largely treeless landscape. As a 

consequence of human activities, grazing, weeds were introduced and spread. There was also extensive 

poisoning of native rodents to control losses in grain fields, as well as control of predators such as coyotes 

and foxes and an elimination of elk and pronghorn. These activities resulted in a shift in herbivore levels 

that undoubtedly affected native vegetation. Changes in natural hydrologic patterns due to the 

construction of roads, the development of stock ponds, and soil disturbances associated with farming and 

livestock operations also impacted native vegetation. 

Livestock grazing has also been shown to contribute to the conversion of shrublands to grasslands. 

During dry summers and drought years, when little annual forage is available, livestock focus on shrub 

species like saltbush (Twisselmann 1967). Shrub communities are especially vulnerable in areas where 

stock levels are not in balance with annual forage production. Livestock grazing may also benefit some 

shrub communities by removing fine flashy fuels (mostly nonnative annual grasses) and thus affecting 

ignition, spread, and fire return interval (Germano et al. 2001). 

III.B.3.2 Vegetation Management

Two main issues are responsible for the large-scale vegetation management actions taken in the recent 

past by the Carrizo’s managing partners. One is the objective to restore native vegetation in degraded 

areas, with the focus on previously cultivated fields. The second is the concern that if grassland vegetation 

gets too tall, habitat for a suite of listed and sensitive San Joaquin Valley species would be compromised. 

Specific management tools have been applied with the goal of increasing the amount of native plants in 

the vegetation and lessening the nonnative component. The primary management tool has been grazing by 

cattle, with lesser acreage treated by prescribed burns and/or active restoration by seeding. 

Livestock grazing during the green season has been employed under the assumption that it was “an 

effective tool to remove standing biomass, reduce the dominance of nonnative species, and enhance the 

reestablishment of native species” (BLM 1996). Recent analyses indicate that, contrary to the working 

hypothesis, green season grazing would not be an effective tool for reducing the dominance of nonnative 

species and would have detrimental effects on native annual plants. 

Prescribed burns have been use to remove accumulations of dead annual vegetation (primarily nonnative 

grasses). Active restoration has involved pretreatments by burning, followed by planting native species 

using tractor-driven seeding machinery. Observations by BLM personnel suggest initial success; 

however, it remains to be seen if seeded populations will persist. The first plantings utilized a variety of 

wildflowers and native bunchgrasses. More recent restoration has focused on two major bunchgrass 

species, one-sided bluegrass (P. secunda ssp. secunda) and nodding needlegrass (Nassella cernua). 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-24

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.B.3.3 Plant Communities

Nonnative Grassland

Nonnative grassland is the most abundant vegetation type on the Monument, covering extensive areas of 

the central valley and foothills, as well as forming understory for the scrub and woodland vegetation. 

Some of the grasslands in the Monument could be characterized under the Holland system as valley and 

foothill grassland or valley needlegrass grassland, depending on their relative proportions of the native 

bunchgrasses, one-sided bluegrass (Poa secunda ssp. secunda), and nodding needlegrass (Nasella

cernua). Usually, the grassland tends to be dominated by introduced Mediterranean species, especially 

bromes (Bromus spp.), wild oats (Avena spp.), and filaree (Erodium spp.). Mustards (various genera) may 

also be common. 

A varying percent of the Monument’s valley grasslands consists of native species, depending on location, 

cultivation history, and precipitation patterns. Native grass species present include one-sided bluegrass 

(Poa secunda ssp. secunda), needlegrass (Nasella spp.), alkali wildrye (Leymus triticoides), and saltgrass 

(Distichlis spicata). The native forb component includes species such as fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.), 

pepperweed (Lepidium spp.), tidy tips (Layia spp.), hillside daisy (Monolopia spp.), goldfields (Lasthenia

spp.), popcorn flower (Plagiobotrys spp.), lupines (Lupinus spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), and locoweed 

(Astragalus spp.). 

Rare plants found in the Carrizo grasslands include San Joaquin woolly-threads (Monolopia congdonii), 

California jewelflower (Caulanthus californicus), Jared’s peppergrass (Lepidium jaredii ssp. jaredii), San 

Joaquin bluecurls (Trichostema ovatum), and gypsum-loving larkspur (Delphinium gypsophilum ssp.

gypsophilum). 

Weedy species can be especially noticeable in some years. Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) has formed 

dense stands up to six to eight feet tall in wetter years. Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) can infest large 

expanses of grassland and adjacent scrub communities in years with late rainfall, especially following a 

drought. Species of the native genus Amsinckia (fiddleneck or fireweed) were very abundant in the 

Carrizo valley floor during spring 2005. 

Valley Sink Scrub

Valley sink scrub is restricted to the alkali flats surrounding and southeast of Soda Lake. This vegetation 

was once widespread in the Central Valley, but is now rare due to the alteration of natural hydrological 

patterns and conversion of lands to agriculture. The Monument contains one of the best and largest 

examples of this now rare vegetation. The community is relatively open, consisting of moderately spaced 

shrubs up to three feet tall with an understory primarily of native grasses and forbs. The vegetation is 

dominated by alkali-tolerant chenopod shrubs such as iodine bush (Allenrolfea occidentalis), spiny 

saltbush (Atriplex spinifera), and bush seepweed (Suaeda moquinii, also known as S. fruticosa). Alkali 

heath (Frankenia salina) and native saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) are both common and patches of onesided bluegrass (Poa secunda ssp. secunda) are also present, especially near the boardwalk along upper 

Soda Lake. Growing interspersed with the grasses are native forbs such as goldfields (Lasthenia spp.), 

tidy tips (Layia spp.), and peppergrass (Lepidium spp.). Sensitive species found within this vegetation 

include Lost Hills crownscale (Atriplex vallicola), recurved larkspur (Delphinium recurvatum), Jared’s 

peppergrass (Lepidium. jaredii ssp. jaredii), Munz’s tidy tips (Layia munzii), and pale-yellow layia (Layia 

heterotricha). Sites with valley sink scrub are intermittently flooded and have saturated, hypersaline soils. 

Because of this, introduced annuals are not as common here as in other vegetation communities. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-25

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Valley Saltbush Scrub

In the Monument, the major expanse of valley saltbush scrub can be found in the central plain, where it 

surrounds Soda Lake and the adjacent valley sink scrub vegetation. Like the valley sink scrub, the valley 

saltbush scrub vegetation was once more widespread in the San Joaquin Valley, but is now much 

restricted and loss of this habitat continues as agriculture expands into new territories. Valley saltbush 

scrub soils are saline and alkaline, but not as much as those closer to Soda Lake, and they lack the surface 

depositions of salts. Topography ranges from relatively flat to hummocky and dissected by drainages. A 

few small patches of valley saltbush occur in the KCL drainage and along the south end of Soda Lake 

Road, but they tend not to be accompanied by the other species associated with typical valley saltbush 

scrub. The community structure is relatively open, consisting of moderately spaced, grayish shrubs 

approximately four feet tall, with an understory of grasses and forbs. Characteristic plants include spiny 

saltbush (A. spinifera), common saltbush (A. polycarpa), alkali heath (F. salina), and alkali goldenbush 

(Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa). Sensitive species found within this vegetation are similar to those in 

valley sink scrub: Lost Hills crownscale (A. vallicola), recurved larkspur (D. recurvatum), Jared’s 

peppergrass (L. jaredii), and Munz’s tidy tips (L. munzii). In wet years, the understory can become quite 

dense, with the introduced prickly lettuce (L. serriola) forming extensive stands overtopping the native 

shrubs. The placement of some CPNM roads has disrupted the natural flow of water (which was 

sheetflow) across the landscape and now forms barriers to the spread of saltbush populations. Saltbush 

scrub may be particularly vulnerable to fire, especially in areas where the proliferation of nonnative 

annual grasses has increased fire intensity.

Spiny Saltbush Scrub

This distinctive vegetation is found from the southwestern flanks of the southern Temblor Range down 

into the floor of the nearby Elkhorn Plain. Spiny saltbush scrub is also found in the interior central coast, 

the San Joaquin Valley (now mostly lost to agriculture), and the Mojave Desert. Characterized by a strong 

dominance of spiny saltbush (Atriplex spinifera), it shares elements of the adjacent interior Coast Range 

saltbush scrub (dominated by A. polycarpa) and upper Sonoran subshrub scrub (co-dominated by a 

number of species). The community consists of moderately spaced shrubs with an understory generally of 

grasses and forbs. In some areas, especially those on the Elkhorn Plain, spiny saltbush is the only shrub 

species present. Currently, spiny saltbush populations are expanding from the Temblor Range’s drainages 

down into the Elkhorn Plain; many seedlings and small plants can be found near established shrubs and 

population boundaries that are beyond previously recorded limits (Kakiba-Russell et al. 1991). The 

precipitation generated during the “March miracle” of 1991 seemed to provide optimum conditions for 

spiny saltbush recruitment on the Monument, although there has been subsequent dieback in some areas 

of apparently marginal habitat. In some years, the annual introduced Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) 

forms a conspicuous element in these valley saltbush populations and dominates the adjacent grasslands; 

however, the 2003 infestation of Russian thistle on the Elkhorn Plain does not appear to have depressed 

recent saltbush recruitment.

Upper Sonoran Subshrub Scrub

Upper Sonoran subshrub scrub is the most common shrub vegetation on the Monument. It is especially 

well developed on the arid, moderate to steep ridges of the southern flanks of the central Temblor 

Mountains and in the foothills of the southern Caliente Mountains. The community also appears in small 

pockets along the northern foothills of the upper Caliente Range, where it may have been more extensive 

prior to conversion of the area to agriculture. Upper Sonoran subshrub scrub can also be found in the 

interior central coast, on the margins and foothills of the San Joaquin Valley, and in the western Mojave 

Desert. The community consists of several species of soft-wooded, relatively low shrubs (one to four feet 

tall), co-dominant in a very open structure and with an understory of grasses and herbs. Characteristic 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-26

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

shrubs include interior goldenbush (Ericameria linearifolia), desert tea (Ephedra californica), California 

buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium), alkali goldenbush (Isocoma acradenia var. 

bracteosa), bladderpod (Isomeris arborea), Eastwoodia (Eastwoodia elegans), and snakeweed 

(Gutierrezia californica). Representative forbs include fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.), Mojave sun cup 

(Camissonia campestris), and farewell to spring (Clarkia cylindrica). In addition, the upper Sonoran 

subshrub scrub community on the CPNM contains many rare forb species including San Joaquin woollythreads (M. congdonii), California jewelflower (C. californicus), Hoover’s woolly-star (Eriastrum

hooveri), forked fiddleneck (Amsinckia vernicosa var. furcata), oval-leaved snapdragon (Antirrhinum

ovatum), gypsum-loving larkspur (D. gypsophilum ssp. gypsophilum), cottony buckwheat (Eriogonum

gossypinum), Temblor buckwheat (E. temblorense), stinkbells (Fritillaria agrestis), and San Joaquin

bluecurls (Trichostemmon ovatum). 

Interior Coast Range Saltbush Scrub 

Interior Coast Range saltbush scrub can be found along the drainages of the Temblor Range, in the 

Elkhorn and Panorama Hills, along the San Andreas rift escarpment, in the hill north of KCL 

campground, and in scattered locations in the southern Caliente Range. As is the situation with the upper 

Sonoran subshrub scrub community, conversion of the northern Caliente foothills to cultivated fields 

probably eliminated stands of interior Coast Range saltbush scrub vegetation. The community, in one 

form or another, can be found in the drier areas and deserts of central and southern California. On the 

CPNM, interior Coast Range saltbush scrub is closely associated with upper Sonoran subshrub scrub. The 

two vegetation types are similar and share many elements; however, interior Coast Range saltbush scrub 

tends to be taller and denser in terms of vegetation structure. The major distinction in terms of species 

composition is that common saltbush (A. polycarpa) dominates in interior Coast Range saltbush scrub, 

and, in upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, several species share dominance, including interior goldenbush 

(Ericameria linearifolia). Shared characteristic shrub species include desert tea (Ephedra californica), 

California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium), alkali goldenbush (Isocoma acradenia

var. bracteosa), and sometimes bladderpod (Isomeris arborea) and snakeweed (Gutierrezia californica). 

Many of the herbs and sensitive plants in upper Sonoran subshrub scrub are also found in the interior 

Coast Range saltbush scrub. Two distinctive characteristic species are the locoweeds, freckled milkvetch 

(Astragalus lentiginosus var. nigricalycis) and Diablo locoweed (Astragalus oxyphysus). Understory for 

interior Coast Range saltbush scrub also includes grasses and forbs.

Diablan Sage Scrub

Diablan sage scrub occurs in the steep upper ridges of the Caliente Range, occupying drier sites within the 

juniper and juniper oak woodlands, where it often forms the understory. In the lower, drier elevations on 

the south side of the Caliente Range, this shrub vegetation tends to be found on the north-facing slopes. 

Vegetation similar to Diablan sage scrub occurs from central California to Baja California. The 

community is one of low shrubs, moderately spaced, with an understory composed of native forbs, native 

bunchgrasses such as one-sided bluegrass (P. secunda ssp. secunda), other grasses, and the introduced 

filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Species composition of the Carrizo Plain’s Diablan sage scrub community 

is slightly different from the standard mix as reported by Holland (1988) and the intergrades with 

Venturan sage scrub (D. Hillyard, CDFG, personal communication, January 2008). Within the 

Monument, the community dominants include purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), interior goldenbush (E.

linearifolia), and California buckwheat (E. fasciculatum var. polifolium). Other shrubs encountered 

include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. 

confertiflorum), snakeweed (G. californica), common saltbush (A. polycarpa), four-winged saltbush (A. 

canescens), rubber rabbitbush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. mojavensis), deerweed (Lotus scoparius

var. scoparius), and silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons). A rhizomatous yucca, our 

Lord’s candle (Yucca whipplei), also occurs in this vegetation type. The specific shrub mixture varies 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-27

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

with changes in slope, aspect, and other environmental variables. Rare plants to be encountered in this 

vegetation include oval-leaved snapdragon (A. ovatum) and Hoover’s woolly-star (E. hooveri).

Juniper Oak Cismontane Woodland

Juniper oak cismontane woodland is well developed on the upper elevations of the Caliente Range and 

can also be found in a few patches in the more mesic sites of the northern Temblor Range. The 

topography is moderate to steep and the community density and extent often depend on slope aspect 

(more robust on north-facing slopes). Juniper oak woodland occurs in upland locations from central 

California to the Mojave Desert and Baja California. The vegetation consists primarily of large shrub-like 

California juniper (Juniperus californica) and scrubby blue oak (Quercus douglasii) and/or Tucker’s oak 

(Q. john-tuckeri) with an assortment of smaller shrubs such as interior goldenbush (Ericameria

linearifolia), desert tea (Ephedra californica), green ephedra (E. viridus), California buckwheat 

(Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium), bigberry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca), alkali goldenbush 

(Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa), yucca (Yucca whipplei), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum

confertifolium), and snakeweed (Gutierrezia californica). In some areas of the Caliente Mountains, an 

occasional singleleaf piñon (Pinus monophylla) can be encountered within this vegetation. The sensitive 

species hollisteria (Hollisteria lanata) may also be present. Grassland elements present include introduced 

bromes as well as native grasses such as one-sided bluegrass (P. secunda ssp. secunda) and nodding 

needlegrass (Nassella cernua).

Cismontane Juniper Woodland and Scrub

Cismontane juniper woodland and scrub occurs in the upper elevations of the Caliente Range and in 

patches in the Temblor Range. In the Caliente Range, it is found adjacent to, and in slightly drier sites 

than, the juniper oak cismontane woodland. In the more xeric Temblor Range, the juniper woodland is 

less abundant and restricted to the relatively more mesic sites. Cismontane juniper woodland and scrub 

vegetation is essentially the same as juniper oak cismontane woodland, but without the oak element and 

with a greater percentage of arid-adapted shrubs. The overall distribution outside the Monument is also 

similar. The understory tends to consist of elements of the adjacent Diablan sage scrub.

Blue Oak Woodland and Alvord Oak Woodland

These two species are present as small populations within the Monument. Vegetation in both consists of 

small to large oak trees, with an understory of shrubs such as oak gooseberry (Ribes quercetorum), 

elements of the Diablan sage scrub, mesic herbs, and some weedy nonnative grassland elements. Juniper 

is often present or nearby. Blue oaks are encountered near the top of the Temblor Mountains and in the 

Caliente Mountains, where the species are present as small patches on some mesic, north-facing canyons. 

Blue oak woodland occurs in upland areas from northern Los Angeles County to the head of the 

Sacramento Valley, As a community, blue oak woodland is much better developed in the CDFG’s 

Chimineas unit, farther north in the Caliente Mountains. Alvord oak (Quercus x alvordiana), a hybrid of 

blue and scrub oak, occurs sporadically in the upper reaches of the Temblor Mountains and as small 

populations in the steep canyons dissecting the south end of the Monument. Some Temblor Mountain oak 

populations display more blue oak characteristics and some specimens are difficult to clearly place as 

Alvord or blue oak. Given the ease with which blue and scrub oak hybridize, it is expected that most, if 

not all, of the blue oak trees in the Temblor Range contain at least some scrub oak genes. Vegetation 

under the Alvord oaks is sparse to nonexistent, a result of grazing by livestock. Cattle forage on oak 

acorns and leaves and use the trees for shade. As elsewhere in California, oak regeneration appears 

depressed. 

 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-28

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Although not strictly considered to be vegetation communities, the following populations, features, and 

habitats are ecologically important.

Biological Soil Crusts

In the upper layers of soil, microbial activity creates a specialized microenvironment called a biological 

soil crust. Microorganisms that may comprise a soil crust ecosystem include visible elements such as 

cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, and bryophytes, as well as less-evident fungi, bacteria, and 

slimemolds. Small invertebrates may also be present. The upper layers of soil are modified and stabilized 

by the interactions between these organisms and by their direct alteration of soil chemistry and physical 

structure. Soil crusts act to prevent erosion, modify water absorption and evaporation, recycle and make 

nutrients available, and provide microsites for seed germination and seedling establishment. Certain 

cyanobacteria (and lichens with those cyanobacteria as a component) are particularly important because 

they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that vascular plants can utilize (Belnap et al. 2001). 

Biological soil crusts are very important in maintaining soil health. 

Biological soil crusts are found below or between vegetation as well as in vegetation-free areas, where 

they are particularly noticeable. A number of bare areas supporting crust communities are found within 

the Monument. The “balds,” located on ridge tops in the central Caliente foothills and among the vernal 

pools near the Hanline Ranch, have well-developed crust communities with cyanobacteria, lichens, and 

bryophytes (both mosses and liverworts). On the Cuyama side of the Caliente Range are bare south-facing 

ridge slopes with diverse lichen assemblages. On the more mesic north-facing slopes of these same ridges 

are shrub communities with a moss-dominated crust understory. Some seasonally disturbed drainages of 

the Caliente foothills support colonizing crust communities of early successional mosses and

cyanobacteria. 

Lichens and Bryophytes 

Besides forming a major part of the crust biota, lichens, mosses, and liverworts are important in other 

Monument habitats. Springs, seeps, and seasonally mesic sites often harbor well-developed moss and 

liverwort communities. Bryophytes are also common on moist north-facing rocks and steep slopes. 

Although rock outcrops can have severe environments in terms of nutrient availability, temperature 

fluctuations, and moisture regime, they can support diverse assemblages of crustose lichens and xeric 

mosses. Good examples are the sandstone outcrops within the Caliente Mountains. Habitat for foliose and 

fruticose lichens occurs on the ridgeline of the Caliente Range, where moisture from clouds intersecting 

the ridge condenses on the scrub oaks and other shrubs. Here, many of the dead and older branches are 

completely covered by colorful lichens. 

Vernal Pools and Other Ephemeral Aquatic Habitats

Vernal pools are small, shallow, ephemeral ponds that develop in areas of hardpan following winter rains. 

In the Monument, they occur on the valley floor and in depressions within the foothills of the Caliente 

Range. Water quality ranges from fresh to saline and alkaline, depending on the location; those near Soda 

Lake tend to be more saline and alkaline, while those in the southern Caliente foothills are usually of 

fresh water. The vernal pools on the Carrizo Plain are home to endangered fairy shrimp and aquatic 

insects, utilized by resident and migrating birds, and provide breeding habitat for fairy shrimp and 

spadefoot toads. In addition, two sensitive plant species, the spiny-sepaled button-celery (Eryngium

spinosepalum) and Hoover’s button-celery (E. aristulatum var. hooveri), have been reported from 

freshwater pools in the Soda Lake area. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-29

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Riparian: Springs, Seeps, and the Cuyama River

Vegetation in a specific spring area depends on the amount of water available, but can include typical 

riparian species such as willows (Salix laevigata), mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), cattails (Typha

domingensis), sedges (various Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncus spp.), common monkeyflower (Mimulus

guttatus), willow herb (Epilobium spp.), and maiden-hair fern (Adiantum jordanii). In some riparian 

areas, saltgrass (D. spicata) is present, and one spring on the south side of the Caliente Mountains 

supports common reed (Phragmites communis). Invasive exotic weeds include saltcedar (Tamarix

ramosissima), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), and annual beard grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Some 

springs have been fenced to eliminate trampling by livestock and most have been altered at some time in 

the past to divert water for livestock. Damage by wild pigs is an ongoing problem and a few springs have 

been impacted by elk. 

The far southwest corner of the Monument incorporates approximately 200 meters of the Cuyama River 

at its confluence with Cottonwood Canyon. Here, water primarily flows below surface level, unless there 

has been recent rainfall. In the main channel, vegetation includes willows (Salix spp.), mule fat 

(Baccharis salicifolia), sedges (various Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncus spp.), and saltgrass (Distichlis

spicata). Cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) are present in the Cottonwood Canyon drainage. Saltcedar 

(Tamarix ramosissima) and perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) are present in the Cuyama stream 

channel, both up and downstream from this site.

III.B.3.4 Rare Plants (Including Threatened and Endangered Species) 

There are 36 rare plants known to be present or with a good chance of being present on the Monument, 

including 3 federally listed endangered plants: Caulanthus californicus (California jewelflower), 

Monolopia congdonii (San Joaquin woolly-threads), and Eremalche parryi var. kernensis (Kern mallow). 

The recently delisted Eriastrum hooveri (Hoover’s woolly-star), will, according to an agreement between 

BLM and USFWS, continue to be treated on BLM lands as if it were still listed (USFWS 2003b). In 

addition to these 4 species, there are 32 other rare plants: 23 BLM sensitive plant species and 9 species on 

the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) (2001) watch list, 7 of which are considered as potentially 

rare. These additional rare plants are mostly small annual herbs. The exceptions, three larkspur species 

and three lilies, are small perennial herbs whose above ground parts die back each year with the onset of 

the dry season. A number of these rare plants occur in the alkaline communities of Soda Lake and its 

associated playas. Many of the remaining rare plants are found within the shrub and woodland 

communities in the Caliente Mountains; however, rare plant populations are spread across the Carrizo 

landscape. Only a small portion of the Monument has been surveyed for rare plants. See Map 3-4, Special 

Status Plants, for the distribution of three listed species and five other rare plants for which populations 

have been mapped.

III.B.3.5 Threatened and Endangered Plants 

Caulanthus californicus (California jewelflower)

The California jewelflower is a small annual mustard now restricted to three areas: Santa Barbara Canyon 

near Cuyama Valley, the Carrizo Plain, and the Kreyenhagen Hills in Fresno County. Its historical 

distribution included the San Joaquin Valley floor and foothills, the Carrizo Plain, and Cuyama Valley – 

seven counties in all. Today, most populations have been eliminated from the San Joaquin Valley by 

agricultural and urban and industrial development (USFWS 1998). It was federally listed as endangered 

in 1990, and as endangered by the State of California in 1987. It is also recognized as an object of the 

Monument Proclamation.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-30

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

In the Monument, jewelflower populations once ranged from Painted Rock to the southern end of the 

Carrizo Plain (Hubert and Kakiba-Russell 1991). Much of the habitat was impacted by dryland farming 

and grazing, and the Carrizo Plain populations were thought to be extinct (Taylor and Davilla 1986). The 

Carrizo Plain population in 2003 was calculated to be around 9,000 plants (BLM 2003), extending from 

the vicinity of KCL campground southeast to near Lawson Spring.

California jewelflower has been found in nonnative grassland, upper Sonoran subshrub scrub, and 

cismontane juniper woodland and scrub; and historical collections have possibly been in valley saltbush 

scrub plant communities (USFWS 1998). In the Carrizo Plain, the species is associated with the precincts 

(burrow systems) of giant kangaroo rats (Mazer and Hendrickson 1993a; Cypher 1994; USFWS 1998). 

Eremalche parryi ssp. kernensis (Kern mallow)

Kern mallow is a small annual plant for which the exact definition of the species has been a matter of 

some disagreement. Reports, papers, and taxonomic treatments have varied in the exact description of the 

species, which populations should be included, and what the “real” distribution is. The online Jepson 

Manual treatment for Kern mallow indicates that this species occurs both in Kern and San Luis Obispo 

Counties (Hickman 1993). There are a number of specimens from the Carrizo that fall within this 

circumscription of the species. Kern mallow was federally listed as endangered under the name 

Eremalche kernensis. 

Monolopia congdonii (San Joaquin woolly-threads)

San Joaquin woolly-threads is a small annual composite which historically ranged throughout the 

southern San Joaquin Valley, the Carrizo Plain, and the upper Cuyama Valley (Taylor 1989). Current 

distribution includes four metapopulations and several small isolated populations, the largest being in the 

Carrizo Plain (USFWS 1998). In 1993, which was a favorable year for San Joaquin woolly-threads, the 

occupied habitat in the CPNM totaled over 2,800 acres across the central and southern Carrizo Plain and 

the Elkhorn Plain (BLM 1993). San Joaquin woolly-threads were federally listed as endangered under the 

name Lembertia congdonii. It is also recognized as an object of the Monument Proclamation.

San Joaquin woolly-threads occur in nonnative grassland, valley saltbush scrub, interior Coast Range 

saltbush scrub, and upper Sonoran subshrub scrub (USFWS 1998). On the Monument, it occurs on silty 

soils derived primarily from the Saltos Shale, Santa Margarita, and Temblor geologic formations (BLM 

1993). Seeds of San Joaquin woolly-threads typically germinate in early winter and plants flower between 

late February and early April. In years with low rainfall, few seeds will germinate (USFWS 1998). San 

Joaquin woolly-threads has been found in areas that were previously plowed or disturbed within the 

Monument but that had been rested for at least five years (BLM 1993).

Eriastrum hooveri (Hoover’s woolly-star)

Hoover’s woolly-star is a small annual phlox that is much more common and widespread than originally 

thought. The species was delisted on October 7, 2003 (Federal Register 68:57829-57837), but BLM will 

continue to treat it as a sensitive species per agreement with the USFWS, and conduct post-delisting

monitoring for this species (USFWS 2003b).

Hoover’s woolly-star populations are known from northern Santa Barbara County to central San Benito 

County, with more recently discovered large populations more than 140 kilometers (87 miles) to the 

southeast in the Mojave Desert and the Antelope Valley (USFWS 2003b). In addition, populations of this 

species in the Los Padres National Forest were discovered at higher elevations (2,700 to 3,000 feet) than 

the ones previously known (USFWS 2003b). The Monument’s plants form part of the Carrizo Plain-
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-31

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Elkhorn Plain-Temblor Range-Caliente Mountains-Cuyama Valley-Sierra Madre Mountains 

metapopulation (USFWS 1998). Within the Monument, known locations of Hoover’s woolly-star occur 

from the middle and higher portions of the Caliente Mountains between Horse and Padrone Canyons and 

in the lower portions of the Caliente Mountains bordering the Carrizo Plain north of Lawson Spring 

(BLM 1992, 1994).

In the Monument, Hoover’s woolly-star is associated with interior Coast Range saltbush scrub and upper 

Sonoran subshrub scrub. Elsewhere, it also occurs in valley saltbush scrub (USFWS 1998). Hoover’s 

woolly-star is usually found in areas with little competing vegetation and is often found on previously 

disturbed areas such as lightly used roads, old firebreaks, and abandoned oil well pads (BLM 1994). 

Although this species does better in sparsely vegetated areas, it can also be found in areas of dense 

vegetation (E. Cypher, CDFG, personal communication, 2005). Hoover’s woolly-star seed germinates 

from January to mid-April and the plants typically flower between March and June (USFWS 1998). As is 

the case with other annuals, population numbers vary widely in response to precipitation patterns.

III.B.3.6 Invasive Nonnative Species

Nonnative plants comprise approximately 15 percent of the CPNM’s flora and include widespread 

naturalized species, California listed noxious weeds (CDFA 2007), rare adventives, and landscape 

ornamentals. 

Much of the plain and foothill landscapes are dominated by introduced, but now naturalized, annual 

grasses and some forbs, sometimes referred to as the new natives (Heady 1977). These include common 

nonnative grasses such as soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), ripgut brome (B. diandrus), red brome (B. 

madritensis ssp. rubens), wild oat (Avena fatua), slender wild oat (A. barbata), and farmer’s foxtail 

(Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum). Nonnative forbs include filaree storksbill (Erodium cicutarium) and 

long-beaked storksbill (E. botrys). Complete control or eradication of these widespread, naturalized exotic 

species is unrealistic, but methods used to reduce their impact on the Monument have included mowing, 

controlled burns, flaming, and applied livestock grazing. Controlled burns and flaming have been shown 

to provide temporary control of these nonnatives, useful in restoration efforts. 

Some nonnative species are targeted for complete eradication from the Monument. Founder populations 

of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) and heart-podded hoary cress (Cardaria draba), discovered in 

2001, have been treated with herbicides on an annual basis. The extents of both populations are shrinking 

as underground stem reserves are depleted; complete eradication of existing populations is expected 

within a few years. Yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) has been found along Soda Lake Road and 

near the Saucito and American Ranches. Because the seeds can persist in the soil for a period of 10 years 

(Callihan et al. 1993), an ongoing survey and treatment program has been underway since about 1995. 

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is known at Wells and Goat Springs, and is potentially present in other 

perennial drainages on the Monument. Current eradication efforts consist of annual removal by hand 

pulling prior to seed set. Tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis/T. ramosissima) infestations are now reduced to 

scattered plants in the Soda Lake area and at a few isolated seep areas. The remaining populations are 

targeted for elimination by cutting and stump spraying with herbicides. 

Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is managed to maintain the cultural heritage of the planted trees, 

while keeping the species from spreading. Tree of heaven was planted as a shade tree near many of the 

old ranch houses by the previous occupants of the Carrizo Plain. Mature trees and saplings can still be 

found around the Traver Ranch house, the MU Ranch, the KCL campground, and other old homestead 

sites, as well as at private residences in inholdings and in the surrounding area. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-32

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) occurs occasionally throughout the Monument, usually limited to 

roadsides and disturbed areas. Wormleaf saltwort (Salsola damascena or S. vermiculata), a perennial 

relative of Russian thistle, is present in some of the steep canyons of the Temblors and has been the target 

of a long-term eradication program by the Shafter Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service station 

III.C Fire and Fuels 

Management 

Prior to the invasion of the 

Mediterranean grasses to the area, fire 

did not appear to be a frequent 

environmental factor in the desert-like 

scrub communities common in the 

southern Carrizo Plain. The native 

CPNM scrub communities include firesensitive, non-sprouting dominant 

species, especially Atriplex spp., that 

are sensitive to recurring fires. While 

fire may not have played a significant 

natural role in the native ecosystem, fire 

is one management tool that may be 

useful in restoring native vegetation through seedbed preparation and decreasing cover of nonnative 

species. 

The BLM Bakersfield Field Office FMP, approved in September 2004, identifies resource values and 

conditions pertaining to fire management in the Bakersfield Field Office planning area and recommends 

strategies for wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and non-fire fuels treatment. Classification of 

lands in the FMP is by FMU, which is any land management area definable by objectives, management 

constraints, topographic features, access, values to be protected, political boundaries, and other 

discernable features that set it apart from the management characteristics of an adjacent FMU. The CPNM 

was identified as a separate FMU in the Bakersfield Field Office FMP and classified as a special 

management area as its primary resource management strategy. The special management area 

classification recognizes the area’s National Monument status and indicates that special management 

techniques may be required to protect objects of interest in the CPNM FMU. 

The current FMP wildland fire suppression strategy is to limit individual fire size to 100 acres 80 percent 

of the time. Fires on the valley floor burning in grassland areas away from sensitive cultural sites and in 

fire intolerant shrub areas may be managed using a confine strategy, such as burning to the nearest road. It 

is estimated that approximately 20 percent of fires could meet these conditions, with fire size averaging 

500 acres. The FMP sets the target area burned by unplanned wildland fire per decade at 10,000 acres. 

The decadal target for prescribed fire is 10,000 acres. Up to 4,000 acres per decade are targeted for fuels 

treatment using non-fire methods, such as mowing or other mechanical treatment. No areas were 

identified in the CPNM for the use of wildland fire for resource benefit. 

III.C.1 Wildland Fire Suppression

The entire CPNM is within the direct protection area of BLM, with the exception of small inclusions of 

private land in Kern County, which is a state responsibility area (see Map 3-5, Fire Protection Providers). 

Cooperative agreements for fire suppression exist with the surrounding county fire departments (Kern, 

San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara), the state of California, and the Forest Service. The closest BLM fire 

Photo 22: Prescribed Fire (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-33

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

station is the Midway Station, currently located in Taft, with a drive time of approximately 30 minutes. 

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which staffs a fire station in California Valley, 

currently provides the closest source of fire suppression resources to the CPNM. BLM meets annually 

with the Central Coast Operations group, consisting of representatives of all the local, state, and federal 

fire suppression agencies in the area, to discuss fire suppression tactics and special suppression 

considerations for all lands. The Central Coast Operating Plan includes a modified suppression plan for 

the CPNM that outlines suppression tactics to be used to minimize effects to sensitive resources. 

Limitations include using dozers only when necessary to protect life or property or other identified 

sensitive resources, minimizing new line construction and off-road travel, and restricting aerial retardant 

drops on rock outcrops and waterways. MIST will be utilized within the Caliente Mountain WSA and 

other areas having wilderness characteristics. The plan also requires that a BLM resource advisor be 

requested for all fires to advise suppression forces on resource issues. 

There are several areas within the CPNM where fire is not desired and where mitigation and suppression 

are required to prevent direct threats to life or property. These areas include:

• Visitor use or administrative sites;

• Historic buildings;

• Key saltbush areas;

• Fire-sensitive archaeological sites, including, but not limited to, rock art sites; and

• Private structures or inholdings.

III.C.2 Prescribed Fire and Non-Fire Fuels Treatment

Prescribed fire may be an effective tool to reduce nonnative annual grasses, giving perennial grasses a 

competitive edge and allowing them to become more widely established. Some communities, such as 

saltbush, are not fire-tolerant and prescribed burning treatments would be designed to protect these areas. 

Prescribed fire is also used on an annual basis to reduce hazardous fuels around developments and along 

road corridors. Dead vegetation, often dominated by tumbleweeds, is piled and burned. 

Approximately 350 acres are mowed each year to reduce wildfire ignition risks around developments and 

along main roads. Other than piling vegetation for burning, this is the only non-fire fuels treatment 

conducted on a regular basis. 

III.D Air Quality

The majority of the CPNM is within San Luis Obispo County, with a very small portion on the eastern 

boundary in Kern County. San Luis Obispo County falls within the South Central Coast Air Basin, and 

Kern County is part of the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin. Under the stricter state (compared to federal) 

standard, San Luis Obispo County is considered in non-attainment for both ozone and PM10. The air 

quality trend in San Luis Obispo County between 2003 and 2006 has been mixed, with ozone levels being 

reclassified from attainment to non-attainment, and particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in 

diameter (PM2.5) moving from unclassified to attainment. Currently, there are insufficient air quality 

monitoring data available to classify attainment status for federal standards for San Luis Obispo County 

for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5. Kern County is considered in non-attainment for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 at 

both the federal and state levels. 

Neither county regards the CPNM as a source or concentration area for air pollution, due to its extremely 

low population density, little industry, and few major transportation corridors. BLM does not have any 

ongoing operations in the CPNM that require air quality permits from the state or federal government. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-34

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The two primary unregulated sources of air pollution that can originate on public lands in the CPNM are 

smoke from fires and dust generated from road use, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

Prescribed fires are permitted by both the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District and the San 

Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Under current management procedures, BLM submits a 

smoke management plan to the applicable air district to request a permit to conduct prescribed burns. 

Prescribed burning prescriptions require specific wind direction so that smoke is not funneled into the 

more populated California Valley area, especially when school is in session. 

Dusty roads have minor localized effects on air quality since there are no asbestos-containing (ultramafic 

or serpentine-bearing) rock formations within the CPNM. CPNM operations are either not subject to or 

are currently fully compliant with all air pollution control requirements. The soil-dwelling fungus that 

causes valley fever is likely present in soils in the CPNM; this hazard is discussed in Section III.P, Public 

Safety and Emergency Services. 

Occasionally, easterly winds transport pollutants into the CPNM from the San Joaquin Valley. The 

southern and eastern portions of the CPNM most frequently receive the heaviest accumulations.

III.E Soils 

The soils of the CPNM vary widely. The presence of the San Andreas Fault and contact between the 

Pacific and North American plates brings together two very different source rock materials for soil 

formation. This geologic phenomenon provides for very complex soil types. Approximately 72 percent of 

the Monument soils are designated as sandy or loamy soils (coarse sandy loam, sandy loam, fine sandy 

loam, very fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam, clay loam, sandy clay loam, and silty clay loam) with the 

remaining 28 percent being clay soils located on the valley floor, Elkhorn Plain, and in isolated clay belts 

along the Caliente Mountains to the west. 

A soil survey by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (2003) identified 10 general soil map units 

within the CPNM that are grouped into three landscape sections: Bolson (Valley) Floor Section or Playa 

Bottom; Alluvial Flats and Fans, Flood Plains, and Terraces; and Hills and Mountains.

III.F Water Resources 

The CPNM Proclamation includes an explicit reference to water rights:

There is hereby reserved, as of the date of this proclamation and subject to valid existing rights, a 

quantity of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes for which this monument is established. Nothing 

in this reservation shall be construed as a relinquishment or reduction of any water use or rights 

reserved or appropriated by the United States on or before the date of this proclamation.

There are no known existing water right issues within the CPNM. Should any water right be requested for 

access/removal of existing water, BLM would coordinate with the State of California to ensure that the 

intent of the Monument Proclamation is met.

The majority of the CPNM watershed is an internal drainage basin that lies between the Caliente Ranges 

on the west and the Temblor Range to the east. These mountains join together to close the basin at the 

southeastern tip of the CPNM. Runoff on the southern and western portions of the Caliente Mountain 

Range drains into the Cuyama Valley. The far southwest corner of the Monument incorporates 

approximately 200 meters of the Cuyama River at its confluence with Cottonwood Canyon. Here, water 

primarily flows below surface level, unless there has been recent rainfall. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-35

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

No perennial streams or creeks are present within the Monument. Intermittent and ephemeral streams 

transport winter and spring runoff to Soda Lake. Covering about 3,000 acres in the center of the valley 

floor, this lake and the associated San Andreas Fault are the most distinctive geographic features of the 

Carrizo Plain. Core samples indicate that the lake has been present for at least 16,000 years (Rhodes et al. 

2005). As with other dry lake systems, the Carrizo watershed has no outlet. Winter rains falling on the 

surrounding plains and mountains drain into the depression in the valley center and then evaporate with 

the onset of summer heat. Occasionally, in years of above-average precipitation, water persists until the 

following rainy season. Normally, however, the dissolved salts carried from the surrounding landscape 

crystallize as the waters evaporate, leaving the lake bed covered with a bright white crust of mostly 

sulfate and carbonate salts, with less than 10 percent sodium chloride (USGS 2004). Soda Lake is 

downstream from the community of California Valley. The lake’s water quality may be affected as 

development of that area continues. BLM currently has no program in place to monitor the water quality 

in Soda Lake or its tributaries. 

The majority of the Carrizo Plain is not in a floodplain and is considered to be in Federal Emergency 

Management Agency Flood Zone C, an area of minimal flooding. The CPNM contains a number of 

intermittent and ephemeral drainages that flow during heavy rains and are classified in Flood Zone A, 

areas that are within the 100-year floodplain. These areas have been designated as no-development zones.

Natural springs are common on the Caliente Mountains, but few springs are present on the Temblor 

Range. Inventory records show approximately 40 springs within the CPNM, with the majority located in 

the Caliente Mountains. Of these, 11 are recorded as public water reserves and are on file at the 

Bakersfield Field Office. Fifteen springs have been developed for livestock use (stockponds are 

associated with some), and they are also available for wildlife. Analysis of springs in the Wells Ranch 

area and the Caliente Mountains indicated most had very hard alkaline water. Levels of nitrates, sulfates, 

iron, fluoride, sodium, and total dissolved solids were above recommended levels in one or more springs 

(BLM 1982). The number of seeps is uncertain, many of which appear to form in response to the year’s 

precipitation.

III.G Wild and Scenic Rivers 

There are no existing wild and scenic river designations within the Monument. The Soda Lake watershed 

was analyzed for eligibility and suitability in the 1997 Caliente RMP and found not to be eligible for wild 

and scenic river designation (BLM 1997). The following geologic features/watersheds within the CPNM 

were assessed in this RMP to determine their eligibility and suitability for consideration under the Wild 

and Scenic Rivers Act: Wallace Creek, Cuyama River, and Abbott Canyon. They were determined to be 

not eligible.

III.H Climate

III.H.1 Local Climate

The CPNM has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most 

precipitation occurs between November and April, primarily as rain. However, occasionally snow falls, 

usually in the mountains, but occasionally on the valley floor. Within an individual year, temperature and 

the amount of precipitation vary from north to south and by elevation. Precipitation patterns are 

dependent on storm direction and the interception of clouds by local topography. Overall, the Temblor 

Range is drier than the Caliente Mountains since storms usually intercept the Caliente Mountains first. 

Judging from vegetation response, precipitation on the Carrizo Plain appears to be very patchy. Although 

the north is generally wetter, in the drought year 2007, the southern end of the CPNM received more 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-36

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

precipitation than the northern parts. Temperature patterns follow a typical elevation gradient and the 

valley floor tends to be warmer than the surrounding mountains. 

Some idea of the climate on the Monument can be derived from the weather station located south of the 

Washburn Ranch. This station is part of the Western Regional Climate Center’s Remote Automated 

Weather Station system and has operated for the last 15 years (Western Regional Climate Center 2007). 

Average temperatures in the summer range in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) from the low 50s at night to the 

upper 90s during the day. Daytime temperatures often exceed 100 °F, with a record high of 115 °F. 

Average winter temperatures range from highs in the mid 60s to lows in the mid 30s, with a record low of 

0 °F. 

At the weather station, precipitation averages about 10 inches per year, ranging from a low of 3.5 inches 

during the 2006-2007 season to 22.9 inches during the El Niño event in 1997-1998. The driest areas on 

the Monument appear to receive much less rainfall, but this has not been documented with weather station 

data. Precipitation maps show average rainfall between 8 to 12 inches for the valley floor. Winds are 

generally from the south or southeast, averaging 5 mph in the morning, increasing to 10 mph by late 

afternoon, and dropping back down at sunset. 

Precipitation has a major influence on the CPNM’s ecology, and management must respond to this 

variation when addressing important issues such as the quality of endangered species habitat, the success 

of restoration activities, the amount of recreational use, and whether sufficient forage is available for 

livestock. 

III.H.2 Climate Change in the Action Area

Global climate change presents a challenge in describing the affected environment in that it adds a

dynamic variable into describing baseline conditions for analysis. Climate change models are in their 

infancy regarding prediction of local changes so make detailed predictions that relate to site-specific 

planning analysis difficult. This section describes trends that can be expected in resource conditions 

within the CPNM based on current models. 

Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (for example, temperature or 

precipitation) lasting for an extended period of time (decades or longer). Climate change may result from 

natural processes, such as changes in the sun’s intensity; natural processes within the climate system 

(such as changes in ocean circulation); human activities that change the atmosphere’s composition (such 

as burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (such as urbanization) (IPCC 2007).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that the southwestern United States is likely to 

become hotter and drier (Christensen et al. 2007). Analysis using a Regional Climate Model (RCM), 

shown to have good predictive value for California, also indicates that the Monument is likely to be hotter 

and drier in the future (Kueppers et al. 2005). The California Energy Commission (2005), using older 

analyses, also predicted increased temperatures, but precipitation trends were unclear. In the Carrizo Plain 

of California, climate change may result in warmer, drier conditions, and potentially more extreme 

weather events.

Drier conditions for the CPNM mean that, overall, there would be less vegetative growth. A change in 

vegetation zones is also expected. Oak and juniper woodlands would tend to shift to scrublands, 

scrublands to grasslands, and grasslands to desert-like habitat with significant portions of bare soils or, 

hopefully, biological crusts. Woodlands may be lost altogether from the Monument (Kueppers et al. 2005). 

With a slight drying, the wild oat grasslands in the northern part of the Monument would be expected to 

shift to brome-dominated grasslands. The conversion of grasslands to desert may be accelerated if winds 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-37

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

erode unprotected soils exposed during droughts. As the general area becomes drier, plant communities 

and animal guilds are expected to migrate northward or upward in elevation, at least those species that 

can. Depending on the strength and rapidity of the change, some elements of the flora may disappear. As 

precipitation levels and recharge decline, some springs would dry up, while others would diminish in 

flow. 

The amount and persistence of vegetation is expected to change. There would be less thatch generated, 

but, because winter moisture levels would be lower, less thatch would decompose. How this would affect 

the total amount of persistent biomass is unclear and would depend on the amount and pattern of 

precipitation as well as on the activities of kangaroo rats and other herbivores. With less precipitation, 

there would be less annual production and, overall, less food and water resources for animals. Less 

vegetative growth and a corresponding decrease in seed production are expected to depress population 

size of herbivorous and granivorous species such as kangaroo rats, rabbits, pronghorn, ants, and 

grasshoppers. Carnivores that prey on these primary consumers would be similarly affected.

With a drier climate, there should be more drought years, more years where the introduced annual grasses 

do poorly, and more years where the grassland vegetation is dominated by native drought-adapted species 

with long-lived seeds. However, there may be an invasion of weedy exotic species now prevalent in 

southern California deserts such as Brassica tournefortii (Saharan mustard) and Schismus spp. 

(Mediterranean grass). With fewer wet years, the grassland vegetation should remain at a lower, more 

open structure, thought to be optimum for the San Joaquin Valley species (kangaroo rat, antelope ground 

squirrel, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and horned lizard) and thus fewer years where vegetation 

management may need to be applied in the core areas. Overall, population levels of these species are 

expected to reflect the benefits associated with a more open habitat versus the liabilities of increased 

droughts and an overall decrease in food and water resources. 

Certain species such as spadefoot toads are well adapted to arid climates; however, it is unclear how they 

would be affected. Reduced reproductive success and some population declines to amphibian populations 

have been linked to climate change but most effects are expected to occur in montane species (Semlitsch

2000). Specific changes to the region may result in fewer years that pools receive enough water and retain 

it long enough for spadefoot toad larvae to be able to metamorphose. Effects to insect populations may 

result in less fat stores in adults prior to dormancy, thus affecting reproductive success or survival. 

Juvenile toads may not be as fit when leaving the pool with a shorter hydroperiod and may be less likely 

to survive longer periods of drought as well.

Other vernal pool adapted species, such as fairy shrimp, may be affected similarly to spadefoot toads. 

Fairy shrimp cysts are adapted to withstand long periods of drought. Species that depend on the waters of 

Soda Lake, such as greater and lesser sandhill cranes, would be affected negatively and may stop using 

the Monument altogether.

Many climate change models also predict infrequent but strong storm activity. This would increase the 

susceptibility of soils to erosion. Drier soils are more susceptible to wind erosion, and drier conditions on 

the CPNM are known to promote a lower density of vegetative cover and root mass that would otherwise 

help hold soils against wind and water erosion. Strong winds and rainstorms could then have severe 

erosive effects. 

The hotter, drier conditions predicted as a result of climate change in the foreseeable future may cause 

springs to dry or become ephemeral instead of perennial; Soda Lake to evaporate more rapidly, with the 

unique chemical properties of its water becoming more concentrated; and groundwater levels to drop as 

recharge from precipitation declines. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-38

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

In summary, the body of information and predictive models for climate change is in its infancy regarding 

prediction of site-specific impacts to areas such as the Carrizo, and the plan assumes that knowledge will 

advance quickly with the current emphasis on climate research and model development. Where 

appropriate, studies would include components to assess the impacts of changing climate. In the event 

that climate change made achievement of RMP objectives themselves infeasible, the plan would need to 

be amended accordingly.

III.I Geology and Paleontology

III.I.1 Regional Topography

The core of the CPNM encompasses two plains: the Elkhorn and the Carrizo. The Elkhorn Plain, nearly 

20 miles long and 2 miles wide, lies at the western base of the Temblor Range. Elevation ranges from 

2,300 feet at the southern end and gently rises to 2,500 feet toward the north where it gradually terminates 

with its convergence with the Temblor Range and the San Andreas Fault. Movements of the San Andreas 

Fault formed the Elkhorn and Panorama Hills that separate the Elkhorn Plain from the Carrizo Plain. The 

Carrizo Plain, located west of the San Andreas Fault, extends to the eastern base of the Caliente Range. It 

occupies the central portion of the Monument and is a high-elevation internal drainage basin. The valley 

floor is roughly 50 miles long and 6 miles wide with an average altitude of 2,000 feet. The Caliente 

Range, rising to 5,106 feet, is a prominent backdrop to the west while the Temblor Range to the east rises 

to 4,332 feet. The southern end of the Caliente Range bends east to parallel the Transverse Ranges 

geomorphic province. Painted Rock, one of the most widely known landmarks within the Monument, is 

an isolated monolithic outcrop consisting of cemented Miocene marine sandstone of the Painted Rock 

member of the Vaqueros formation. Southwest of the Caliente Range, the Cuyama Valley is deeply set 

between the Caliente Mountains and the Sierra Madre Mountains. This valley is approximately 40 miles 

long and 6 miles wide. The San Emigdio Mountains trend southeastward toward Mount Pinos, part of the 

Transverse Ranges. East of the Temblor Mountains are a series of more or less distinct foothills leading 

toward the San Joaquin Valley. The community of California Valley is located immediately north of the 

Monument and is bordered to the west by Freeborn Mountain and the La Panza Range.

III.I.2 Geology

The geology of the Monument is the product of millions of years of erosion, sediment deposition, 

faulting, volcanism, and uplift. From a geological perspective, the mountains and valleys are relatively 

young. Most of the sediments that consolidated to form the rocks were deposited well after the extinction 

of the dinosaurs. 

Marine sedimentary rock predominates in both the Caliente and Temblor Ranges. This sedimentary rock 

has both an inorganic and an organic origin. Inorganic sedimentary rock includes sandstone, clay-shale, 

and conglomerate containing boulders and cobbles. Sedimentary rock of an organic origin includes shale 

composed of the remains of microscopic plants and animals with a varying component of clay. There are 

also some organic limestones in the Santa Margarita formation on the west side of the San Andreas Fault. 

Additionally, sandstones, shales, and conglomerates of marine and non-marine origin are interlayered 

with volcanic flows in the Caliente Range (Carter 1985; Dibblee 1962, 1973a, 1973b; Dougherty 1940; 

Ryder and Thompson 1989; Vedder 1970; Vedder and Repenning 1975).

About nine million years ago, the granitic northern Gabilan Range lay directly west of the present-day 

southern Temblor Range. Boulders, cobbles, and coarse sand eroded from this old granite block and were 

deposited in the area of the Elkhorn Plain. These deposits are important for understanding the history of 

the San Andreas Fault. Movement on the San Andreas Fault has since displaced the northern Gabilan 

Range 120 miles north near Hollister. This sedimentary rock is exposed in the vicinity of Cochora Ranch 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-39

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

in the Temblor Range and is known as the Santa 

Margarita formation. Several endangered and 

threatened plant species are found on soil derived 

from this formation (Carter 1985; Dibblee 1962, 

1973a, 1973b; Ryder and Thompson 1989; Vedder 

1970; Vedder and Repenning 1975).

The San Andreas Fault, over 625 miles long, 

traverses the Monument from north to south near 

the western base of the Temblor Range. The 

surface trace of the fault is displayed by creek bed 

offsets and fault scarps, which are particularly wellpreserved in the Carrizo Plain. In part because of 

the preservation of these physical features, there 

has been considerable academic research of the 

fault. 

III.I.3 Paleontology

The Monument is distinguished for its world-class 

fossil assemblages (paleontology) and wellexposed rock outcrops (stratigraphy). Several rock 

formations were first recognized and defined within 

the Monument. Present within the Monument are 

the “type locale” (site of the first definitive 

published description) of the Pattiway and Simmler 

formations, the Saltos Shale and White Rock Bluff 

members of the Miocene Monterey formation, the 

Soda Lake Shale and Painted Rock members of the 

Vaqueros formation, and the Paso Robles, Caliente, 

and Morales formations. These locations will be of continuing academic interest (Carter 1985; Dibblee 

1962, 1973a, 1973b; Dougherty 1940; Ryder and Thompson 1989; Vedder 1970; Vedder and Repenning 

1975). 

In the Caliente Range, the Caliente formation contains diverse terrestrial fossil remains interfingered by 

fossil-bearing marine sedimentary rocks. The formation records continuous deposition during the 

Miocene Epoch (from 13 million to 25 million years before present) and contains the original type locale 

for an early horse species. In addition, the Caliente and Painted Rock formations contain significant 

vertebrate fossil assemblages that include ancient varieties of dog, wolf, cat, mouse, rat, and other rodents 

(Dibblee 1962). 

 

In the Temblor Range, there are a series of Miocene and Pliocene marine sediments that locally contain 

both vertebrate and invertebrate fossils (Carter 1985; Dibblee 1962, 1973a, 1973b; Ryder and Thompson 

1989; Vedder 1970; Vedder and Repenning 1975).

There have been a series of geological mapping surveys conducted in the Monument that identify the 

potential for paleontological resources in specific formations within the Caliente and Temblor ranges. 

Both invertebrate and vertebrate fossils occur in these geologic formations. Soda Lake was once much 

larger than it is at present, and the Pleistocene sediments around this Ice Age lake have potential for 

significant vertebrate and invertebrate paleontological discoveries (Dibblee 1973b).

Photo 23: San Andreas Fault (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-40

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.J Cultural Resources

Cultural resources, including both prehistoric and historic resources, represent a continuum of events 

from the earliest evidence of humans on the Carrizo Plain through the historic period. Recent 

archaeological inventory and assessment of cultural resources in the Monument by David Whitley 

(Whitley et al. 2004) indicates the Native American population was well-established on the Plain from 

4,000 to 800 years ago. Whitley’s archaeological investigations also suggest the Paleo-Indian may have 

initially used the Carrizo Plain approximately 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. In the geographic region 

encompassing the Monument, human presence begins 12,000 to 8,000 years ago with the early cultures in 

the nearby San Joaquin Valley (Moratto 1984).

Significant cultural resources in the Monument include both prehistoric and historic sites dispersed 

primarily along the southwestern margin of the Carrizo Plain. Although vandalized in past years, Painted 

Rock is recognized internationally through conservation groups such as the Getty Conservation Institute, 

who conducted studies at the site (Thorn 1991). Campbell Grant, a recognized writer on Native American 

rock art, stated that Painted Rock once exhibited “the finest of known...pictographs” in the United States 

(Johnson 1985). Grant (1978) further states that Chumash rock art certainly reached its highest 

development on the Carrizo Plain. 

III.J.1 Prehistoric Resources

Of the 181 cultural resource sites recorded in the Monument, 132 of these sites are prehistoric, 41 are 

historic, and 8 are multi-component sites consisting of historic and prehistoric elements. 

Evidence of archaeological resources associated with American Indian settlement, occupation, trade, and 

special activities in the Monument attest to cultural and traditional values associated with the Carrizo 

Plain landscape. There were 24 archaeological sites, including Painted Rock, listed in the NRHP in 2001, 

as these cultural properties possess important information about the prehistory and artistic expression of 

the native peoples that inhabited the Carrizo Plain (Whitley 2001). In 2007, BLM, in collaboration with 

Whitley and the National Park Service, nominated 90 prehistoric cultural resource sites to the NRHP as 

eligible cultural properties for inclusion as a National Historic Landmark. 

Cultural resource inventories completed on public and nonfederal lands in the Monument to date 

encompass nearly 9.7 percent of the 250,000 acres, or about 24,288 acres. Of the 132 known prehistoric 

sites in the Monument, common site types include rock art, most frequently in the form of pictographs; 

special activity areas for community and family events; rock configurations and shelters; stone flake 

scatters associated with the manufacture of lithic tools; camps for short- and long-term habitation; rock 

quarries for procurement and use of raw materials; and plant processing areas such as bedrock mortar and 

milling stations. An additional eight archaeological sites are multi-component, consisting of both 

prehistoric and historic elements. These resources and their distribution patterns suggest both seasonal 

and year-long occupation. Of the cultural resources recorded in the Monument, 72.9 percent are 

prehistoric and 4.4 percent are multi-component. 

Painted Rock is the most visited archaeological site in the Monument. Painted Rock is currently managed 

as a point of public visitation and protection of its traditional Native American values. The Sulphur 

Spring archaeological site is managed for the purposes of protection and long-term conservation. 

III.J.2 Native American and Ethnographic Resources

Native Americans currently do not live on private land within the Monument. However, there are Native 

Americans living in the adjacent community of California Valley (located north of the Monument) and to 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-41

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

the east of the Monument. The Chumash, Yokuts, 

and Salinan people use areas in the CPNM today 

for traditional uses such as plant gathering and 

conducting ceremonial activities at Painted Rock. 

Under a charter agreement initiated in 1997 

between BLM and representatives of the three 

aforementioned native peoples, a Native American 

Advisory Committee was established for the 

Carrizo Plain. This Advisory Committee actively 

participates in planning and project activities with 

the managing partners in the CPNM. The 

Advisory Committee was formed to encourage 

participation of both the federal tribes and the nonfederally recognized Native Americans having 

ancestral cultural ties to the lands in the 

Monument. 

BLM’s California State Director and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific 

Southwest Region established a new policy in 2006 in coordination with the federal tribes and nonfederally recognized Native Americans in California. The new policy ensures traditional native 

practitioners will have access to plants and that such plants are managed in a manner that promotes 

ecosystem health for lands managed by BLM and the Forest Service. The policy places emphasis on local 

collaboration, implementation of actions, and means to resolves issues. It also encourages planning to 

address traditional native gathering interests and to support practitioners in gathering culturally utilized 

plants for personal, community, or other non-commercial traditional use on lands managed by BLM and 

the Forest Service. 

BLM continues coordination with the Native Americans with cultural ties to the land in the Monument 

and their mutual interest in the recovery of native plants in the CPNM. BLM encourages the traditional 

use of the native plants that are not protected and supports the annual ceremonial gatherings held at 

Painted Rock. BLM’s efforts to implement the 2006 policy concerning native plants is incorporated in 

this plan to ensure traditional native practitioners have access to traditional plants of their interest and that 

these plant areas are managed in a manner that promotes ecosystem health for lands in the CPNM. 

III.J.3 Historic Resources 

The El Saucito Ranch house is the only standing 

house in the Monument representative of the 

pioneer period. The house remained mostly 

occupied throughout its history with only brief 

periods of vacancy. Although the house changed 

ownership a number of times, the last time the 

house was owner-occupied was in 1966. In the 

years that followed, the ranch house was used by 

property caretakers or intermittently leased to 

local ranchers until the ranch was vacated in 1984. 

Over the history of the house, there were a 

number of modifications including the addition 

and removal of rooms. Although alterations were 

made to windows, doors, and the interior of the 

house over the years, the original two-story 

Photo 24: Elders Viewing Painted Rock Sign (BLM File)

Photo 25: El Saucito Ranch House (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-42

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

redwood house structure remains intact. Ranchers today use the corral at El Saucito to separate cattle and 

provide necessary doctoring and other needs prior to transporting the cattle to other locations. The ranch 

house property was transferred from private to federal ownership in 1997. 

The exploitation of sodium sulfate and phosphate on Soda Lake during the 1890s is evident today by the 

remaining foundations and earthen berm where the narrow gauge rail system once transported materials 

from Soda Lake to a connecting point at State Highway 58. 

 

The Caliente Mountain WWII Lookout Tower is located on state school land within the Monument, and 

is surrounded by the Caliente Mountain WSA. This significant historic cultural property has not been 

maintained over the years and would need to be stabilized in the near future to prevent the wooden tower 

from falling to the ground. Considering there are few WWII towers remaining standing in California, this 

historic site represents an important part of California’s heritage and its association in protecting the 

United States during WWII. 

Components of the historic Washburn Ranch and Selby Cow Camp were found eligible for inclusion in 

the NRHP in 1992. Selby Cow Camp barn was stabilized and partially restored in the latter part of 2007. 

The Washburn Ranch continues to serve as an important historic point of interest and administrative 

center for BLM and the CPNM partners. The Washburn Ranch transferred from private to federal 

ownership in 1988. 

The most common historic resources encountered in the Monument include ranch buildings, structures, or 

features associated with sheep and cattle livestock operations and dryland farming. To a much lesser 

degree, features associated with mining of sodium sulfate, phosphate, and gypsum are found in the 

Monument. The distribution of historic site types in the CPNM demonstrates the dominant role ranching 

and dryland farming played in the regional history. Of the 181 cultural resource sites recorded in the 

Monument, 41 of these sites are historic and 8 are multi-component consisting of both historic and 

prehistoric elements. The 41 sites, or approximately 22.7 percent of the recorded sites in the Monument, 

are representative of the historic period. The 8 multi-component sites represent 4.4 percent of the cultural 

resource baseline. 

III.J.4 Carrizo Plain Rock Art Discontiguous District

Protection and preservation measures for archaeological sites in the Carrizo Plain Rock Art Discontiguous 

District (a three-component historic district listed on the NRHP) were initiated when the Painted Rock

complex of sites was transferred to federal ownership in 1989. For an overview of the district’s locations, 

refer to Map 3-6, National Register of Historic Places. The north-south road to Painted Rock was closed, 

a fence was installed, and grazing was discontinued in the Painted Rock pasture to protect a number of 

archaeological sites. Shooting was also banned in the same pasture for protection of the public and the 

rock art paintings. The road on the eastern boundary (Selby-Caliente Road) of the Painted Rock pasture 

was rerouted to avoid any further impact to cultural resources that were bisected by an existing roadbed 

prior to federal ownership. The Painted Rock Interpretive Trail and vehicle parking area, located less than 

0.75 mile from Painted Rock, were developed to provide site protection by replacing vehicle access with 

pedestrian access to the site. Painted Rock and other cultural sites in the Rock Art Historic District 

continue to be monitored regularly to identify and resolve any problems that may threaten them. Painted 

Rock is closed to public access during the summer solstice ceremony to allow Native American religious 

rites. 

Natural forces such as wind and water erosion, bird excretions, rock exfoliation, dust particulates, and bee 

hive construction are a significant threat to rock art preservation in the Monument. It should be noted that 

greater than 99 percent of the human impacts to Painted Rock occurred when the site was in private 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-43

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

ownership. An initial effort for rock art conservation at Painted Rock was implemented by the Getty 

Conservation Institute in 1991 in concert with BLM. 

One of the most effective protective measures for cultural resources implemented in 1987 was the closure 

of the Painted Rock pasture to livestock use. This action alone excluded cattle from grazing on 15 cultural 

properties in the Rock Art Historic District. Otherwise, cattle could continue to trample cultural midden 

constituents and disturb rock art by rubbing against the painted surfaces. This action has not totally 

excluded cattle from getting into the pasture. Although infrequent, over the recent years, cattle have been 

able to get past the fences on occasion. 

For years the Saucito Rocks archaeological site, while in private ownership, was open for ranching, 

agricultural use, and for oil well drilling atop the prehistoric site. After this site transferred from private to 

federal ownership in 1990, BLM closed vehicle administrative access to components of the site. 

The Sulphur Spring archaeological site was previously closed to vehicle and pedestrian visitation as an 

emergency action shortly after the property was transferred from private to federal ownership in 1988. 

The site was subsequently identified as closed in the Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan (BLM 

1996). The site was threatened by potential impacts caused by visitors coming into physical contact with 

the friable rock surface at this extremely fragile rock art site. 

III.J.5 Additional Sites with National Register Eligibility

BLM is nominating 90 prehistoric cultural resource sites to the NRHP as cultural properties eligible for 

inclusion as a National Historic Landmark in 2007 (Whitley and Loubser 2003; Whitley et al. 2004). 

Currently, review of the nomination has been completed by the SHPO, the National Park Service, BLM’s 

Deputy Historic Preservation Officer, and peer reviewers at the University California-Los Angeles and 

the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The nomination package has been forwarded to the 

National Park Service and BLM’s national office in Washington, DC for final review and approval. 

BLM previously assigned “use categories” to several individual cultural properties in the Monument. It 

should be noted that the California SHPO and BLM have agreed to not assign use categories to cultural 

sites until an assessment of site eligibility and the potential effects the specific use category might have on 

the property has been determined. As cultural properties are evaluated for their appropriate use 

subsequent to this plan (for 

example, scientific, 

conservation for future use, 

traditional, public, 

experimental, or discharged 

from management), specific 

sites or classes of similar sites 

will be assigned appropriate 

use categories. 

III.K Visual Resources

The CPNM encompasses a 

dramatic expansive landscape 

that is in a relatively 

undeveloped state. 

Conservation of the area’s 

scenic attributes was an Photo 26: Soda Lake with Water (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-44

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

important factor in its designation as a National Monument, and was a major issue in public scoping 

comments for the RMP. The scenic qualities of most landscape settings in the Monument are defined by 

striking natural features – the vast open vistas across the plain, backed by stark mountain ridges. 

Structures from historic and present-day ranching operations are integral parts of a pastoral landscape on 

the valley floor. Seasonal landscape elements include one of California’s most dramatic spring wildflower 

blooms. Another important component of the visual integrity of the Monument is its dark night skies. As 

the population of California increases, light pollution has impacted night sky viewing opportunities in 

many areas. There are outstanding opportunities for viewing the night sky at easily accessible locations 

within the Monument, such as Caliente Ridge and the Soda Lake Overlook. Astronomy classes and

amateur astronomers are drawn to the Plain from as far away as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay 

area.

On-going activities to improve the scenic quality of the Monument have included efforts to eliminate 

unneeded facilities. These efforts have included removal of derelict equipment and debris (when not 

historically significant), taking out old fencing, hauling away trash, and eliminating unusable structures. 

Facilities required for management purposes are designed or modified where possible to mimic historic 

structures, are placed in areas with natural screening, or are finished to borrow from natural landscape 

colors. An example is the painting of storage tanks to appear less intrusive and to better harmonize with 

their surroundings.

When developments complement and borrow form, line, color, and texture from existing characteristic 

landscape features, they minimize impacts to the landscape and retain the visual integrity of the area. 

BLM uses the VRM system as a framework to assess scenic values on public lands and to protect visual 

integrity and manage visual impacts from activities and projects. The visual resource inventory (VRI) for 

the planning area used the Carrizo Plain ecological subregions as a basis (Map 3-1), since these units 

corresponded to landscape elements with similar character. Public lands within the CPNM were 

inventoried based on three factors: relative levels of scenic quality, level of viewer sensitivity to 

landscape changes, and distance of an area from points or corridors of high viewer sensitivity.

Based on these factors, VRI classes were assigned to different parts of the planning area and used as a 

basis to consider visual values in the RMP land use allocations. For the CPNM, the inventory classes 

were assigned to each of the subregions shown on Map 3-1. All of the subregions were assigned a VRI 

Class II, except the Temblor Range and Caliente Mountain South Subregions, which were assigned as 

Class III. VRI Class I designations are reserved for areas with special designations such as wilderness, 

WSAs, and designated wild and scenic river corridors where a decision has already been made to retain 

the natural qualities of the area. Within the planning area, lands within the Caliente Mountain WSA were 

given a VRI Class I designation (note that the WSA overlays the Caliente Mountain North and Caliente 

Mountain South subregions. The portions of these subregions within the WSA are designated as VRI 

Class I).

VRM classes were assigned on these inventory classes and are defined in the next chapter.

III.L Wilderness Study Area and Other Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Section 603 of FLPMA directed BLM to review roadless areas under its jurisdiction of 5,000 acres or 

more having wilderness qualities and to recommend to the President the suitability of such areas for 

preservation as wilderness. In determining these characteristics, the law directs BLM to use the criteria 

given by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. 

The original inventory process, initiated in 1978, examined the public lands in the planning area to 

determine and locate the existence of areas that met these wilderness criteria. Lands in the Caliente 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-45

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Mountain area met the inventory criteria and were established as the Caliente Mountain WSA (#CA-010-

042) that contains 17,984 acres. The result of the inventory process was published in Final Intensive 

Inventory, Public Lands Administered by BLM California Outside the California Desert Conservation 

Area Wilderness (BLM 1979). Subsequently, in 1988, BLM issued the Final Environmental Impact 

Statement for the Central California Study Areas that analyzed the impact of adding the WSA to the 

National Wilderness Preservation System and, in June 1991, the Secretary of the Interior sent a 

recommendation to the President that the area should not be designated wilderness through the California 

Statewide Wilderness Study Report. 

Congress has the sole authority to designate an area as wilderness. Until Congress decides whether to 

designate the area as wilderness or release the area from further consideration for wilderness, BLM is 

required to manage the Caliente Mountain WSA so as to not impair its suitability for this designation. 

Commonly called the nonimpairment standard, the management framework for BLM to manage the WSA 

to meet this mandate is found in the Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review

(BLM 1995). The nonimpairment standard applies to all uses and activities except those specifically 

exempted from this standard by FLPMA, such as grandfathered uses and valid existing rights. If a 

wilderness bill is enacted into law for the CPNM, this RMP will be updated accordingly to ensure 

compatibility with, and implementation of this legislation.

Since the original BLM wilderness inventory was conducted in 1978-1979, there have been extensive 

land acquisitions within the planning area. Many of these lands have been impacted by past farming and 

other land uses. However, over time, some intrusions on these acquired lands, as well as on previously 

inventoried public lands (found not to have wilderness qualities at the time of inventory), have reverted to 

a more natural condition. In other areas, fences, structures, two-track roads and other imprints have been 

physically closed and/or removed and lands have been restored to a more natural condition. 

As part of the development of this RMP, lands within or adjacent to the Caliente Mountain WSA, and 

other lands within the Monument, have been examined to determine if they have wilderness 

characteristics. Also, one small acquired inholding (approximately 40 acres) within the Caliente WSA 

was inventoried and found to possess wilderness characteristics.

III.M Areas of Critical Environmental Concern 

ACECs are areas of public land where special management attention is required to protect important 

natural and/or cultural resource values. The ACEC designation indicates to the public that BLM 

recognizes these significant values and has established special management measures to protect them. 

Prior to designation as a National Monument, the Carrizo Plain was designated as an ACEC in the 

Caliente RMP (BLM 1997). The ACEC was designated to protect relevant and important values including 

sensitive plant, animal, cultural, Native American traditional lifeway, and geologic resource values; it 

consisted of 143,300 acres of BLM surface ownership, 10,880 acres of subsurface only, and 55,730 acres 

of surface only. The Presidential Proclamation identifies and requires protection of the same values that 

were identified under the ACEC designation. Therefore, the ACEC designation is now considered to be 

duplicative and no longer necessary for lands within the boundary of the CPNM. However, some ACEC 

acreage extends outside the CPNM; these lands are outside the scope of this plan and will be assessed in 

the Bakersfield RMP regarding continued management as an ACEC.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-46

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.N Livestock Grazing 

III.N.1 Introduction and Applicable Regulatory Framework

The Proclamation establishing the CPNM states that:

Laws, regulations, and policies followed by the Bureau of Land Management in issuing and 

administering grazing permits or leases on all lands under its jurisdiction shall continue to apply 

with regard to the lands in the Monument.

As part of all RMPs, BLM must allocate which lands under their jurisdiction will be available for 

livestock grazing and which land will be unavailable. There are currently 170,100 acres designated as 

available for livestock grazing within the Monument and 36,400 acres are unavailable. Livestock grazing 

on the lands designated as available is currently administered under two separate types of authorizations 

utilizing different subparts of the federal grazing regulations. Approximately 55,900 acres are authorized 

under Section 15 (of the Taylor Grazing Act) livestock grazing leases, and these are located principally in 

the Temblor and Caliente Mountain Ranges. Livestock grazing occurring primarily on the valley floor of 

the Monument (approximately 114,200 acres) is currently authorized under free use grazing permits, in 

accordance with 43 CFR 4130.5(b)(1). Grazing permits or leases authorize grazing use on a specific 

management unit called grazing allotments. All grazing allotments within the Monument are depicted on 

Map 3-7, Grazing Allotments. 

III.N.2 Historic and Current Grazing Authorizations

The unique and complex livestock grazing management systems used within the CPNM have evolved 

through time, following changes in land ownership, federal grazing regulations, and the available 

information on livestock management effects in the area. The designation of the Monument has also 

refocused the managing partners on determining the appropriate use of grazing as a vegetation 

management tool to meet Monument goals. 

Prior to TNC, BLM, and CDFG land acquisitions starting in 1987, nearly all of the private lands were 

grazed by cattle and sheep, including the cultivated farm fields. BLM’s ownership in what is now 

designated the CPNM was limited to original public domain lands in the Temblor and Caliente Mountain 

Ranges and the Soda Lake lake bed. Much of this area (excluding the area around Soda Lake) was 

determined to be suitable for livestock grazing under BLM planning guidance. Several grazing leases 

were authorized under Section 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act. Many of these grazing leases have been in 

place since the early 1930s. 

Rangeland health assessments on all grazing allotments are completed with an interdisciplinary team that 

evaluates the health standards for soils, species, riparian, and water quality in the field, based on several 

qualitative indicators. Rangeland health assessments have been completed on all the allotments authorized 

by Section 15 leases, except the Chimineas Ranch South allotment (since it is currently vacant). 

In 1987, TNC and BLM started acquiring significant acres of new land within the valley floor area of the 

CPNM. TNC purchased 82,000 acres in 1987 and BLM acquired 23,000 acres in 1988 and another 

28,500 acres in 1989. With these purchases, TNC owned base property adjacent to this newly acquired 

BLM land and therefore also had priority for new federal grazing privileges. BLM issued TNC Section 15 

grazing leases for the acquired lands, where TNC then pastured the livestock of local livestock owners.

A rest-rotation livestock grazing management program was designed and initiated on the new land 

acquisitions in these valley floor and foothill allotments in December 1989 to provide conditions for 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-47

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

native perennial plant establishment while helping to reduce the competition from nonnative annual 

plants. In 1995, the Secretary of the Interior issued new federal regulations for grazing management that, 

among other things, allowed free use grazing permits to be issued by BLM for the management of 

vegetation to meet resource objectives other than the production of livestock forage or for conducting 

scientific research or administrative studies. Base property (required for a Section 15 grazing lease) is not 

required to hold a free use grazing permit. TNC relinquished its Section 15 grazing lease on the valley 

floor and foothill allotments in 1995 and BLM then issued free use grazing permits to local ranchers who, 

for the most part, had been using the lands prior to acquisition. The allotments that are authorized by these 

free use grazing permits support the grazing study and monitoring program are described in the following 

section.

III.N.3 Grazing Studies and Vegetation Management

A grazing study and monitoring program began on the valley floor and foothill allotments in 1996 to help 

determine whether grazing is an appropriate tool for providing habitat suitable for long-term sustainable 

populations of listed species and the restoration of native communities. The study was designed to 

provide information about the effectiveness of livestock grazing as a tool to remove standing biomass, 

reduce the dominance (as defined by density, cover, and frequency) of nonnative annual species, and 

enhance the re-establishment of native species. The results from the Carrizo grazing study do not support 

the general hypothesis that livestock grazing applied in this manner is beneficial for native plant 

communities; specifically, it does not enhance native annual plant species, nor decrease exotic ones 

(Christian et. al., in prep.). Throughout the valley floor and foothill allotments in the Monument, there are 

areas that are not grazed to provide controls for research and to protect sensitive areas such as Painted 

Rock and alkali wetlands. These 36,400 acres of non-grazed lands are designated as unavailable for 

livestock grazing in the Caliente RMP of 1997.

The existing grazing study and monitoring program occurs on public lands within eight grazing 

allotments or management units within the valley floor and foothill area, totaling approximately 114,200 

acres. Grazing authorizations are currently issued annually on these allotments by BLM, specifically 

under 43 CFR 4130.5(b), the regulations on free use grazing permits, for the management of vegetation to 

meet resource objectives other than the production of livestock forage and/or to conduct scientific 

research or administrative studies. Rangeland health assessments have been completed on the Washburn 

Ranch and KCL Ranch allotments, and both allotments were determined to be meeting all standards of 

rangeland health. The remaining allotments authorized by free use grazing permits have not yet been 

assessed.

The managing partners have been developing a more comprehensive approach to applying livestock 

grazing treatments since 2005. The new approach to grazing management focuses on the objectives and 

needs of each resource value or conservation target and correlates those to the various management 

actions or treatments geared to meet those objectives. This new document is called the Conservation 

Target Table. A separate guideline/pasture matrix will identify the resource values or targets within each 

pasture and list the compiled management prescription for that pasture based on the direction from the 

Conservation Target Table. The locations of the key resource values and grazing management 

prescriptions in this matrix were developed and applied over time with input from all the managing 

partners and species experts and are adjusted as new information becomes available. Generally, 

application of livestock grazing within the pastures largely depends on yearly precipitation rates as 

reflected by green-up or vegetation response, the existing annual residual dry matter present, and the 

resultant species composition.

In dry years, or in years with favorable annual species composition, little or no livestock grazing may be 

necessary to meet resource objectives. Each year, pastures within the free use grazing allotments are 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-48

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

evaluated based on the criteria in the current pasture matrix and grazing is applied as necessary to meet 

the objectives for that pasture’s resources. 

Although no authorized grazing has occurred on CDFG lands to date, livestock grazing could occur on 

these lands under 14 California Code of Regulations (CaCR) 630(b)(29)(C), entitled the Carrizo Plains 

Ecological Reserve, but only under permit from the CDFG. If authorized, livestock grazing would be 

managed consistent with the Monument grazing study and monitoring program and any other grazing 

prescriptions deemed necessary by the CDFG.

Unfenced private lands within the Monument may also be grazed by other private landholders, and the 

use of these areas may not conform to the grazing prescription placed on public lands.

III.N.4 Livestock Management Facilities

The use and development of livestock management facilities on public lands is authorized through 

cooperative agreements. Maintenance of these facilities is generally the responsibility of the grazing 

permittee or lessee. However, BLM has assumed a portion of this maintenance. BLM maintains title to 

such range improvements (livestock management facilities) on public lands. Existing livestock 

management facilities, including access roads, corrals, barns, water pumps, water tanks, water troughs, 

pipelines, spring collection boxes, fences, and cattle guards are used, as appropriate. When consistent 

with the Monument mission, and needed to achieve management objectives, facilities may be constructed 

or modified to prevent or reduce livestock distribution problems or to help facilitate the grazing system.

Existing facility maintenance occurs periodically throughout the year, and may include grading, mowing, 

or repairing roads; repairing drainage crossings; cleaning or replacing culverts; scraping out or modifying 

corrals; hauling materials from existing roads to repair fences; mowing vegetation along fences; cleaning 

out, replacing, or moving cattle guards; repairing, removing, or replacing water tanks, their bases, and 

troughs; locating and repairing, replacing, or bypassing sections of buried pipeline; and locating, cleaning 

out, repairing, or replacing spring collection boxes.

III.O Recreation and Interpretation

The CPNM is a destination for 

a relatively small number of 

visitors annually, considering 

its proximity to the southern 

and central California 

population centers. 

Recreational use in the CPNM 

is oriented toward enjoyment 

of the area’s natural and 

historic resources. People visit 

the Monument to view wildlife 

and birds, to see the 

spectacular wildflower 

displays in the spring, to walk 

along the San Andreas Fault, to 

visit the pictographs at Painted 

Rock, and to just enjoy the 

solitude. Other visitors enjoy 

hunting opportunities in the 

Photo 27: Bicyclists (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-49

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

mountains surrounding the plain, camping in the foothills, horseback riding, hiking, and various other 

outdoor activities.

 

A majority of the recreational use of the National Monument is concentrated around the Goodwin 

Education Center, Soda Lake, Painted Rock, Selby, and KCL campgrounds, the Caliente Mountains, and 

along the Elkhorn Plain (see Map 3-8, Visitor Services and Recreation). Seasonal use varies based on the 

wildflower bloom in a given year, weather, and the availability of upland and big game. The highest 

visitation occurs from December through May. The lowest visitation occurs during August, when the 

summer temperatures peak.

Visitor use for CPNM has been collected and reported annually through the BLM RMIS since the 2001 

Monument Proclamation. Overall use increased from approximately 24,620 visitors in fiscal year 2001 to 

87,040 in fiscal year 2007. The increase has been fairly steady over the past 7 years as more and more 

people learn about the features of the Monument. Anecdotal observations by on-site personnel indicate 

that there is a trend toward more individual, family, and small group use on the Monument. A large 

portion of the use in the past was by large groups such as university classes or club activities. There is 

also a noticeable increase in the number of OHVs visiting the area looking for riding opportunities. 

Recreational use on the Monument is expected to continue to increase at moderate rates similar to the 

increase in use experienced over the past 7 years. 

III.O.1 Recreation Activities

III.O.1.1 Auto Touring and other Motorized Recreation Use

The majority of Monument visitors tour the area in cars, stopping at scenic viewpoints, interpretive 

overlooks, hiking trails, and other points of interest along the way. The majority of these visitors stay on 

Soda Lake Road. Specific attractions viewed by touring visitors are described in Section III.O.2 below. 

More adventurous visitors access the back roads of the Monument with pickups and sport utility vehicles. 

Most of this use occurs during hunting season. Vehicle use is further discussed in Section III.Q, Travel 

Management.

III.O.1.2 Hiking

Hiking in Carrizo is generally self-guided and takes place on roads, trails, and cross-country. There are 

only a few developed trails within the Monument. These include the Caliente Ridge Trail and various 

interpretive trails:

• Caliente Ridge Trailhead: This 7-mile long trail is accessed from a small trailhead located at the top 

of Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range 

and parts of Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and 

bird watching. 

• Caliente Mountain Trailhead: This trailhead is located 13 miles west of Cuyama on Highway 166. 

Wide open spaces and spring wildflowers set the stage for hiking on this 2.0-mile trail. This trail is 

not well defined due to recent fires. Hunters favor the trail for access to deer and quail on adjacent 

public lands. 

• Interpretive trails: see Section III.O.2.2 below.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-50

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.O.1.3 Camping

There are two developed campgrounds in the CPNM with a total of 17 single-unit sites, 4 walk-in sites, 

and 3 group sites. All camping is currently free on the Monument.

KCL Campground is a semi-primitive campground located at what was the headquarters of Kern County 

Land Company. It has some of the few shade trees found on the CPNM. KCL campground still has a few 

historic buildings used by the ranch when it was in operation. There are four developed single-unit 

campsites, four walk-in sites, and two group campsites. Each campsite includes one Americans with 

Disabilities Act-compliant picnic table, fire ring/grill, and lantern holder. There is one permanent doubletoilet building. The group campsites are designed to accommodate equestrian user groups and include 

individual corrals.

 

Selby Campground is also a semi-primitive campground equipped with 13 shade structures, picnic tables, 

and fire pits. There is one permanent double-vault toilet. The campground is located at the base of the 

Caliente Mountains. There are no shade trees; however, the campground is more secluded than KCL.

Dispersed camping is also allowed within certain areas of the CPNM. The designated dispersed camping 

areas encompass approximately 100,000 acres where car, tent, backpack, or horse camping is allowed. 

Generally, dispersed camping is permitted in the foothills and mountainous areas. Dispersed camping is 

not permitted on the valley floor area to protect sensitive biological resources and to prevent obstruction 

of scenic vistas, nor is it permitted at Soda Lake and adjacent areas. 

III.O.1.4 Hunting and Shooting

The CPNM offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities. The CPNM has populations of California 

quail, chukar, cottontail rabbit, deer, tule elk, and wild pigs for the hunter. Nearly all of the CPNM is 

open to hunting. Areas not open to hunting include a large safety zone surrounding the Guy L. Goodwin

Education Center and Painted Rock; all designated campgrounds; administrative and recreational 

facilities including Painted Rock Ranch, Washburn Ranch, and MU Ranch; all pullouts and informational 

kiosks; Soda Lake; Traver Ranch; and Wallace Creek. 

Hunting in the Monument is managed and regulated by the CDFG. Nothing in the Monument 

Proclamation affects the jurisdiction of the State of California with respect to fish and wildlife 

management. All sections of the CDFG Code and 14 CaCR are in effect. 

There is no target shooting allowed in the Monument.

III.O.1.5 Equestrian Use

Equestrian use is permitted on the CPNM. Trailer parking is available, but limited to already impacted 

areas such as campgrounds and parking areas. Equestrians are prohibited on most walking trails, 

including but not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill. 

Portions of some walking trails are used to for equestrians to get past enclosures and exclosures as 

allowed and signed, such as the Caliente Ridge trail head and the Caliente Mountain Trail.

III.O.1.6 Mountain Biking

Mountain bike use is permitted on the approximately 460 miles of existing public roads on the CPNM. 

On the Monument, bikes are treated like vehicles and must stay on designated roads. Mountain bikes are 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-51

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

prohibited on most walking trails, including but not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake 

Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill.

III.O.2 Interpretation and Education

III.O.2.1 Goodwin Education 

Center

The Guy L. Goodwin Education 

Center is located 7.4 miles from 

the north entrance or 30 miles 

from the south entrance on Soda 

Lake Road. The center offers 

the visitor interpretive displays 

and exhibits explaining the 

uniqueness of the Carrizo Plain 

and the adjoining Elkhorn Plain. 

The Goodwin Education Center 

is open seasonally from the 

beginning of December to the 

end of May. Normal days and 

hours of operation are Thursday 

through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 

4:00 p.m.

Accessible restrooms at the 

Goodwin Education Center are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. A wide array of 

merchandise is available for purchase. Informational maps and brochures are available at the front door 

when the center is closed. The Goodwin Education Center driveway may be closed if road conditions are 

too muddy for vehicles. Visitors are welcome to hike in during these times. Seasonal tours are offered on 

the Monument and are coordinated through the Goodwin Education Center.

III.O.2.2 Interpretive Trails

Painted Rock Trail: The Painted Rock Trail is located 2 miles south of the Goodwin Education Center. 

This trail gives visitors access to the level 1.4-mile round trip trail to the Painted Rock cultural site. The 

trail is open to pedestrians only (no mountain bikes, dogs, or horses). Painted Rock is closed from March 

1st to July 15th to protect the wildlife and resources. During this closure, tours are available through the 

Goodwin Education Center. 

Traver Ranch Trail: The Traver Ranch homestead has a self-guided tour of old farming equipment and 

discusses the history of farming on the Carrizo Plain. 

Wallace Creek Trail: A self-guided 1/5 mile interpretive trail has been constructed at Wallace Creek and 

along a portion of the San Andreas Fault. The trail walks visitors through the geological impact of the San 

Andreas Fault on the CPNM over time. 

Soda Lake Boardwalk Trail: The boardwalk that goes along the edge of Soda Lake is located on Soda 

Lake Road across from Overlook Hill. 

Photo 28: Goodwin Education Center (BLM File)
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-52

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Overlook Hill Trail: The Overlook Hill Trail is located off Soda Lake Road 2.1 miles inside the north 

entrance and provides a great view of Soda Lake and the Carrizo Plain. The trail is short but steep. 

III.O.2.3 Guided Tours

All docent-guided tours are scheduled through the Goodwin Education Center or the Outdoor Recreation 

Planner for the CPNM.

Wildflowers and Painted Rock Tour: During the spring there are opportunities for a docent-guided tour of 

the wildflowers and Painted Rock. 

El Saucito Ranch House Tour: The El Saucito Ranch House is the oldest standing ranch property in the 

Carrizo Plain, dating back to the late 1870s. The house and the surrounding buildings are currently under 

renovation and are open to special tours during certain times of the year. There is an informational kiosk 

and a 0.25-mile interpretive trail on the property.

Driving Tours: A booklet containing two self-guided auto tours is also available for purchase at the 

Goodwin Education Center or through the BLM Bakersfield Field Office.

III.P Public Safety and Emergency Services 

III.P.1 Emergency Response

The isolation of the CPNM complicates emergency medical response and emergency preparedness. 

Emergency medical transportation may take up to two hours depending on the availability of resources.

The California Highway Patrol staffs a helicopter that responds to medical emergencies in the area. 

However, depending on the availability of the helicopter, it may be delayed. Ground ambulances are 

dispatched from San Luis Obispo or Kern counties depending on the location of the incident. There are no 

public phones located within the Monument. Cell phones are able to receive services in some locations; 

however, it is patchy.

Public safety and law enforcement activities are handled by specialists within BLM, the CDFG, and other 

law enforcement agencies. Search-and-rescue operations are handled by the San Luis Obispo and Kern 

County sheriffs’ offices.

The CDFG has wildlife protection personnel assigned to southeastern San Luis Obispo County to provide 

wildlife law enforcement. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol conducts aerial patrols, and the 

San Louis Obispo County sheriff’s office provides general law enforcement capabilities.

The CPNM is covered under mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies for medical and fire 

protection.

III.P.2 Valley Fever

Coccidioides immitis, the fungus that causes valley fever, thrives in the alkaline desert soils of southern 

Arizona, northern Mexico, and California’s San Joaquin Valley. This includes parts of the CPNM. This 

fungus has a complex life cycle. It grows in soils as mold with long filaments that break off into airborne 

spores when soils are disturbed. These spores are very small and can be carried hundreds of miles. 

For more than half the people infected, this poses no problem. Their immune system effectively fights off 

the fungus and they never develop symptoms. Others have varying degrees of symptoms such as chest 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-53

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

pain, weakness, fever, chills, night sweats, and joint aches. In some cases, the illness progresses to severe 

pneumonia or spreads beyond the lungs and may ultimately prove fatal.

BLM uses BMPs to minimize the chances of the release of this fungus on all projects that occur within 

the Monument. Both the San Luis Obispo and San Joaquin Valley air pollution control districts have 

regulations that govern earth-disturbing work, such as excavation and new construction. These regulations 

have varying requirements for dust control according to the size and scope of the work being performed.

III.Q Travel Management 

The CPNM has a long history of mechanized farming that has resulted in a large network of roads 

throughout the Monument. Some of these roads are used for visitor enjoyment of the area and for resource 

management activities. However, many other roads are no longer necessary, poorly sited, redundant, or 

causing impact on the land. The intent of the travel management program is to provide a travel network 

that will protect the Monument’s natural and cultural resources, allow for administrative access for 

management and restoration activities, and provide opportunities for visitors to experience the uniqueness 

of the CPNM while protecting the objects of the Proclamation. The travel management program also 

includes limitations on use to ensure safety or to protect resources from degradation due to excessive 

erosion, dust, wildlife disturbance, and other impacts. 

All public lands in the planning area are designated through a two-level process in this RMP. The first 

level is the Area Designation. Under the Area Designation, all BLM lands in the planning area are 

designated as either an open area, a limited area, or a closed area regarding vehicle travel under the BLM 

OHV regulations (at 43 CFR 8342). Under the Monument Proclamation, no off-road motorized or 

mechanized travel is permitted, so the area designations are either limited area or closed area in the RMP. 

A second level of designation applies to the roads themselves. Roads are designated within the RMP 

along with limitations on the types of use allowed. Note that BLM travel management designations only 

apply to BLM-managed lands, roads and trails, and not to county roads such as Soda Lake or Elkhorn 

roads. 

III.Q.1 Area Highway Access

The CPNM has two major sources of access. From the north, the access is via Soda Lake Road off of 

Highway 58. Highway 58 is a two-lane paved highway connecting to Highway 101 in the west at Santa 

Margarita (50 miles away) and east to Interstate 5 (43 miles to the east). The other major access is from 

the south via Soda Lake Road or Elkhorn Road (both county roads) off of Highway 33/166. Highway 

33/166 is a two-lane highway connecting to Highway 101 near Santa Maria (60 miles west) and Interstate 

5 (45 miles east). Although traffic volumes are higher on the Highway 33/166 corridor, the majority of 

visitors enter the CPNM from the north off of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road. Most of the Monument 

facilities and popular attractions are more easily accessed via this route.

III.Q.2 Road Conditions within the CPNM

Many roads within the Monument have an unimproved dirt surface. During periods of rain, a number of 

roads become impassable. The main road, Soda Lake Road, is open year round. However, rains may 

make parts of Soda Lake Road slippery, muddy, and impassable at times. The Caliente Ridge Road can be 

especially dangerous when wet and may be closed periodically during periods of heavy rain or snowfall. 

All roads in the Monument may be closed periodically for safety conditions such as fire hazard, weather, 

or unsafe conditions.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-54

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.Q.3 Road Maintenance 

BLM and the County of San Luis Obispo maintain most of the roads within and immediately adjacent to 

the Monument. Most of the roads within the Monument are unimproved dirt; however, some portions of 

Soda Lake Road are paved.

County roads within the Monument are managed to complement the direction of the Monument 

Proclamation and current management plans. There are approximately 71 miles of unpaved road and 17 

miles of paved road that are maintained by the county. These routes serve as primary travel corridors 

within the Monument and BLM coordinates with San Luis Obispo County to facilitate maintenance and 

ensure that it does not impact objects of the Proclamation. 

The 370 miles of BLM administered roads are maintained on an as-needed basis by the BLM Bakersfield 

Office. Roads that give access to major recreation sites are given the priority. BLM does not maintain 

roads on privately owned lands.

III.R Minerals 

Based on the Monument Proclamation and associated withdrawals, only those valid leases, claims, and 

other rights that existed as of the date of the Proclamation, January 17, 2001, may see mineral 

development on federal lands within the Monument. Other laws and policies guiding the minerals 

management within the Monument vary by the type of mineral resource and are described in more detail 

below.

III.R.1 Private Mineral Estate within the Monument

Approximately 53 percent of the mineral estate within the Monument is privately owned (see Map 3-9, 

Oil and Gas Wells within the Carrizo Plain National Monument). If agency approval is required for 

mineral development on privately owned minerals, the proposal would be subject to environmental 

review under CEQA and/or NEPA.

When federal approval is required, the proposal would be subject to review under NEPA, and compliance 

with other applicable laws, such as the federal Endangered Species Act and cultural resource protection 

laws. The applicant would be subject to appropriate stipulations, conditions of approval, and 

mitigation/compensation requirements. BLM would work with the state, county, and local agencies to 

ensure that the mission and purpose of the Monument is not impaired and only reasonable uses of public 

lands may be made to access and develop private mineral estate. 

Private lands are not directly affected by this plan or the Monument Proclamation. However, access to 

non-federal minerals across federal surface may require a federal right-of-way or other federal permit, 

likely resulting in longer timeframes for approval and increased project costs. Holders of outstanding 

third-party rights where privately held mineral rights underlie surface managed by TNC, CDFG, and 

private parties will also be required to adhere to county regulations and CEQA requirements for surfacedisturbing activities. 

III.R.2 Mineral Resources within the Monument

The Monument contains a number of extractable minerals, that is, minerals that are removed from the 

land by mining, producing through a well bore, or other means. These minerals include oil and gas, sand 

and gravel, gypsite, phosphate, sodium sulfate, and others. These minerals are managed in accordance 

with the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended; the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1980; the 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-55

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Mining Law of 1872, as amended; the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987; 

FLPMA; 43 CFR; Onshore Orders 1-8; notices to lessees; other laws, regulations, and orders; and in 

accordance with all applicable state, county, and local laws and ordinances.

As of January 17, 2001, there were 19 federal oil and gas leases within the Monument. Nine of these were 

in producing status, either based on actual production or else due to allocated production if they were in a 

producing unit. Since that time, all of the leases that were not in producing status have expired or 

terminated. The only production in the Monument, including both private and federal, is near the 

southwest boundary, virtually all within the boundaries of the Russell Ranch unit, with a very small 

amount from the Morales Canyon Field (see Map 3-10, Producing Oil Fields in the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument). Private leases are not recorded with BLM, so it is unknown whether there are private leases 

within the Monument (other than within the Russell Ranch Unit, a federal unit that contains both private 

and federal leases.) No new leasing of federal minerals will be allowed because of the Monument 

Proclamation and associated withdrawal.

There were no valid claims, leases, or other valid existing rights pertaining to solid minerals as of the date 

of the Monument Proclamation, so there will be no development of these minerals on federal mineral 

estate except for emergencies and administrative purposes, as described elsewhere in this document. 

A description of the various mineral resources within the Monument is contained in the following 

sections. 

III.R.2.1 Oil and Gas Resources

Minor commercial quantities of oil and gas have been located in two areas of the Monument: in the 

northeast part of the Temblor Range and the south side of the Caliente Range. On the south side of the 

Caliente Range are two minor fields and a portion of a major oil field, the Russell Ranch field. There are 

approximately 45 wells within the Monument boundary: 15 producing and 30 shut-in wells. 

Approximately half of the producing wells are federal. Current federal production within the Monument 

is approximately 1,200 to 1,500 barrels of oil per month (BOPM), with a current value of $110,000 per 

month and $15,000 per month royalty to the government. The non-federal production is approximately 

1,000 to 2,000 BOPM. There are few active wells outside the Russell Ranch field (see Map 3-9, Oil and 

Gas Wells within the Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Map 3-10, Producing Oil Fields in the 

Carrizo Plain National Monument). Many of the shut-in wells will be required to be plugged and 

abandoned or else returned to production within the next 10 to 15 years.

Of the five oil fields that are partially or totally within the boundary, three of the fields, Temblor Hills, 

Gonyer Anticline, and Taylor Canyon, do not contain any active wells. The remaining two fields, Morales 

Canyon and Russell Ranch, contain a total of seven active federal leases. No commercially successful 

wells have been developed outside of these areas in the Monument, although indications of oil and gas are 

common in the 267 wells drilled elsewhere in the Monument. Wells up to 18,000 feet deep have been 

drilled in the Monument without finding commercial quantities. 

By contrast, the Monument is surrounded by six giant and super-giant oil fields (fields with over 100 

million and 1 billion barrels of reserves, respectively) and numerous smaller productive fields. The 

Midway-Sunset field, the largest oil field in California and the lower 48 states, lies a few miles to the east 

of the Monument near Taft. With several billion barrels of oil having been produced in the general area 

since the late 1800s, this is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the country. 

The generally unsuccessful exploration of the Monument can be attributed to the lack of a mature organic 

source for hydrocarbons and/or lack of a timely trapping structure (USGS 1995). Due to the lack of recent 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-56

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

success, exploration activities have been virtually nonexistent for decades. However, recent advances in 

technologies (including seismic exploration, drilling, and production technologies), along with significant 

increases in oil and gas prices, may result in more activity in the future.

Although the CPNM is closed to new federal leases, a full range of exploration and development 

activities may still occur both on existing federal leases and on private leases. This includes seismic 

exploration, road building, drilling new wells and re-working old wells, laying pipelines, and other 

activities. Although there has been no new development for the last 10 to 20 years, BLM received a 

request from a private mineral owner in early March 2008 to conduct seismic operations on the CPNM 

valley floor.

III.R.2.2 Solid Minerals

Solid minerals are divided into three categories: locatable, solid leasable, and saleable mineral materials, 

which historically included the following in the CPNM: 

• Locatable minerals: gypsum in the form of gypsite

• Solid leasable minerals: low-grade phosphorus from marine shales and sodium sulfate

• Saleable minerals: sand and gravel

There were no valid claims, leases, or other valid existing rights pertaining to solid minerals as of the date 

of the Monument Proclamation, so there will be no private development of these minerals on federal 

mineral estate. 

III.R.2.3 Other Leasable Minerals

Geothermal resources are considered a type of leasable mineral. According to the California Division of 

Mines and Geology, the Monument is favorable for discovery of thermal water at shallow depth. 

However, there are no known geothermal resource area designations, identified hydrothermal convection

systems, or any warm springs within the boundary of the Monument (Muffler 1979; Higgins 1980).

There were no geothermal leases at the time of the Monument Proclamation. Under the Proclamation, 

federal lands within the Monument are withdrawn from mineral entry and no new geothermal leases are 

allowed. It is unlikely that there will be development of geothermal resources on non-federal land, so 

geothermal exploitation is not expected to be an issue in the Monument.

III.S Lands and Realty 

III.S.1 Acquisition History and Current Land Status

In 1984, TNC and BLM agreed to explore the possibility of acquiring extensive lands in the Carrizo Plain 

region. This land, to be set aside for conservation and restoration, would function as a single, large 

macropreserve for rare and endangered San Joaquin Valley species, as well as other components of San 

Joaquin Valley vegetation and wildlife. Several workshops were held between TNC, BLM, the CDFG, 

and the USFWS to determine strategies and priorities for acquisition of these lands.

In January 1988, TNC purchased 82,000 acres on the Carrizo Plain from Oppenheimer Industries. BLM 

received funding from Congress to acquire 23,000 acres in 1988 and another 28,500 acres in 1989. The 

California Wildlife Conservation Board purchased 3,000 acres from TNC in December 1988 and 2,500 

acres in 1989 to be managed by the CDFG.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-57

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

As of 2003, surface and mineral ownership within the Monument is a mixture of BLM, state, TNC, and 

other private owners (see Table III.19-1 and Map 3-11, Land Ownership Status).

Table III.S-1. Surface Land and Mineral Ownership in the Monument

Land Owner Surface Estate 

(Acres)

% of Total 

Monument Area

Mineral Estate 

(Acres)

BLM 206,000 83% 108,000 

CDFG 9,300 4% 9,300 

TNC 75 <1% 75 

Other private owners 32,000 13% 130,000 

T otal 247,375 100% 247,375 

Applications and requests for facilities and access are analyzed and authorized either under the right-ofway regulations or the minerals regulations depending on the type of use. Terms and conditions that may 

apply to right-of-way corridors or development areas include BMPs to minimize environmental impacts 

and limitations on other uses necessary to maintain the corridor and right-of-way values. 

BLM continues to actively pursue acquisitions within the Monument boundary. Some of the potential 

sellers are expected to retain at least the oil and gas rights. In total, approximately 53 percent of the 

mineral estate within the Monument is privately owned (see Map 3-12, Land Status and Withdrawals). 

Additional information on the mineral, oil, and gas program can be found in Section III.R, Minerals.

Of the approximately 32,000 acres of private land remaining, the largest inholding (approximately 11,000 

acres) is part of a privately owned ranch. The other 22,000 acres include many individual parcels ranging 

in size from approximately 0.1 acre to 2,100 acres. There are approximately 500 private land parcels 

remaining in the Monument.

III.S.2 Managing Partner Coordination on Realty Issues

The managing partners recognize that management activities on their respective lands are subject to 

different authorities and policies, so they coordinate regularly to ensure seamless management of the 

Monument, including realty-based issues. The partners have shared a long-term commitment to acquiring 

private inholdings within the Monument, both surface lands and interests in lands, where the landowners 

are willing sellers. The managing partners are continuing to acquire these inholdings through purchase, 

donation, or exchange. Priorities for acquisition have included those parcels that are available, special 

status species habitat, cultural resources, unique natural and geologic features, and WSA inholdings.

III.S.3 Existing Federal Withdrawals

Under the Proclamation establishing the Monument, all federal lands and interests in lands within the 

boundaries of the Monument were withdrawn: 

from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or leasing or other disposition under the public 

land laws, including but not limited to withdrawal from location, entry, and patent under the 

mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, other 

than by exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the Monument.

Two national cooperative land and wildlife management areas are present within the Monument: the 

Caliente and the Temblor National Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management Areas. These areas were 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-58

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

withdrawn in 1961, and encompass 59,000 and 58,000 acres respectively (see Map 3-12, Land Status and 

Withdrawals). The withdrawal orders (Public Land Orders 2326 and 2460) segregated the BLM lands 

from application under the non-mineral public land laws and from disposition under the homestead, desert 

land, and scrip selection laws. With the issuance of the Monument Proclamation, these national 

cooperative land and wildlife management area withdrawals are now duplicative.

III.S.4 Road and Utility Easements

Two BLM-designated utility corridors currently exist in the Monument. These were adopted in the 1997 

BLM Caliente RMP and are an adoption of the 1986 Western Regional Corridor Study. They are located 

at the northern end of Soda Lake and just south of Soda Lake (see Map 3-13, Infrastructure). They run 

generally east-west and are occupied only by electric power lines at present, with the northern corridor 

containing twin 500 kilovolt (kV) lines originating from the Diablo Canyon Power Plant on the Pacific 

coast. The southern corridor contains a single 70 kV line.

III.S.5 Other Rights-Of-Way and Permits

Currently, there are no realty leases or land use permits that are authorized by BLM within the 

Monument. There are several rights-of-way that were authorized by BLM on original public domain lands 

prior to the establishment of the former Carrizo Plain Natural Area. These are mostly for electric power 

lines that have been in place for several decades. One underground communication cable runs the length 

of the Monument generally paralleling Soda Lake Road. Use of this cable was discontinued in 2001.

Various third-party rights exist on the acquired lands, such as road and utility easements and mineral 

rights. These rights are infrequently exercised, but are allowed since BLM acquired the lands subject to 

these rights. BLM maintains records of third-party rights. The other managing partners maintain separate 

records of third-party rights that affect their respective properties.

A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on public lands. Commercial filming is defined 

as the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound recording, or other moving image or audio recording 

equipment on public lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a 

product for sale, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. Commercial filming does not include 

activities associated with the broadcast of journalistic news programming. For purposes of this definition, 

“creation of a product for sale” includes a film, videotape, television broadcast, or documentary of 

participants in commercial sporting or recreation events created for the purpose of generating income. 

BLM field offices generally no longer require permits for still photography except under certain 

conditions. However, additional permit requirements may be applied to meet specific objectives of an 

RMP. 

III.T Social and Economic Conditions

III.T.1 Current Social and Economic Context

III.T.1.1 Communities of Place

Most of the CPNM is located within southeastern San Luis Obispo County, with portions in western Kern 

County. The Monument borders Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the south and southeast, 

respectively. The closest major cities are San Luis Obispo, population 44,326 (in 2006), approximately 54 

miles to the west, and Bakersfield, population 306,137 (in 2006), approximately 63 miles to the east. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-59

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The region, although not on any major travelways, is easily reached via U.S. Highway 101 to the west, 

and from U.S. Interstate 5 to the east. The CPNM is accessible to travelers to and from major 

metropolitan areas, including several international and regional airports. It is within easy driving distance 

of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, approximately 150 miles to the southwest, and within about a halfday’s drive, or approximately 300 miles, from the San Francisco area to the northwest. It is centrally 

located to residents from central coast communities to the west, and those along the Interstate 5 corridor 

to the east. 

Within an approximately 10-mile radius of the Monument there are several small towns and cities, which 

are referred to herein as the “Carrizo Trade Area.” The communities of California Valley and McKittrick 

are located to the northwest and north, respectively, along Highway 58. The communities of Derby Acres 

and Fellows are located to the northeast, along Highway 33 and north of the City of Taft. Maricopa is 

located to the east/southeast near the junction of Highways 33 and 166, with Cuyama and New Cuyama to 

the south along Highway 166. The largest of these is Taft, which in 2006 had a population of 

approximately 9,152 and Ford City, population 3,512 (2000, most recent available data). Maricopa’s 

population was approximately 1,137 in 2006, while all of the other communities listed above had 

populations of 500 or fewer persons (U.S. Census Bureau 2000, 2006).

Given the remote and undeveloped character of the Monument itself, visitors to the Monument who need 

lodging, food, and other goods and services must obtain them outside the CPNM. This provides an 

economic and tourism opportunity for communities near the Monument, while other communities located 

along access points to the region may also serve visitors traveling to and from the CPNM. 

III.T.1.2 Communities of Interest 

In addition to those living near the Monument, there are a number of other groups and individuals who 

would be considered to have an interest in its management. 

Native Americans

There are two Native American groups who have historically inhabited the area (Chumash, Southern 

Valley Yokuts). Also, the Salinan tribe occupied the area immediately north of the Carrizo. The cultural 

significance of the CPNM and its context as an undeveloped remnant of Native American ancestral 

territory cannot be overstated. The CPNM harbors some of the most significant examples of Native 

American rock art still extant, as well as numerous other sites of considerable cultural significance. These 

native groups consider the lands within the Monument to be sacred and use areas within the CPNM for 

plant gathering and ceremonial activities. 

The Native American Advisory Committee, chartered by BLM and representatives of these three native 

peoples in 1997, participates in planning and project activities with the managing partners in the CPNM. 

Members of federally recognized and non-federally recognized Native American groups are invited to be 

part of the Advisory Committee and are actively involved in conferring with BLM regarding resource 

management on Monument lands. 

Monument Visitors

Based on BLM estimates, approximately 38,700 persons visited the CPNM in year 2002 and 87,040 in 

2007, reflecting a substantial increase. Data regarding these visitors’ place of residence are limited to 

those who visited the Goodwin Educational Center and signed the visitor’s register. However, based on 

available information, the largest percentage was from the Central Coast region of California. Use 

patterns and visitor data are further discussed in Section III.T.3.3 below.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-60

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Private Land and Mineral Estates Owners

Approximately 32,000 acres, or 13 percent, of surface lands within the CPNM are privately owned. Of 

these privately owned surface lands, approximately 11,000 acres are held by one ranch. The balance is 

held in parcels ranging from 0.1 to 2,100 acres, including 4 small subdivisions totaling approximately 

1,700 acres. The majority of parcels in these subdivisions are undeveloped. There are approximately 

130,000 acres of subsurface, or mineral, estates held by private owners. Of these, many underlie surface 

holdings of BLM or another of the managing partners. Land ownership history and current use are further 

discussed in Section III.S, Lands and Realty. 

Ranchers and Farmers 

The Carrizo Plain region and lands within the present-day Monument area have been used for cattle and 

sheep ranching since about the 1850s. As noted above, the largest private holding within the CPNM is an 

11,000±-acre ranch. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data for livestock inventories show 

that cattle inventories have decreased by 36 percent in San Luis Obispo County over the past two decades, 

from 121,000 head in 1988 to 77,000 head in 2007. The same indicator in Kern County shows inventories 

fluctuating over that period, with an average increase of only 4.40 percent. Data for sheep inventories 

were available only through 1992; however, the trend for both counties during the four-year data period 

(1988 to 1992) was downward, with a 27 percent decrease in San Luis Obispo County and an 18 percent 

decrease in Kern County (USDA 2007). Based on these data, ranching and grazing operations in the 

region appear to have diminished overall in the two-decade period. Nonetheless, these operations 

continue to be an important local economic activity in the region and in the CPNM area. This is further 

discussed in Section III.T.4.3 below.

Dryland farming was introduced during the 1880s, primarily for grain crops such as barley, wheat, and to 

a much lesser degree oats. Although there is currently very little if any crop cultivation within the CPNM, 

farming is to some extent still an important part of the regional economy, particularly in Kern County and 

parts of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. 

Leaseholders

There are two major types of resource leases held by private individuals or organizations: grazing leases 

and mineral leases. 

Grazing permits and leases are authorized within specified areas of the Monument and levels of use are 

variable based on the purpose of the authorization and the current resource conditions. See Section III.N, 

Livestock Grazing, for a complete description of the types of authorizations and also Section III.T.4.3 

below. 

Mineral estate leases cover the various extractable minerals found within the Monument, including oil 

and gas. There are nine currently active oil and gas leases on the Monument.

Monument Residents

A very small number of people actually live and work in the Monument. There are only about 12 

structures within the Monument boundaries; some of these are inhabited permanently while others are 

inhabited for shorter periods of time during the year. The majority of residents are involved with 

managing the lands or conducting research. Some are associated with ranching operations. 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-61

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.T.2 Regional Demographics and Environmental Justice

The following subsections present demographic and economic information. Specific demographic and 

economic data have been prepared for the “Carrizo Trade Area” surrounding the Monument. This trade 

area consists of the area within an approximately 10-mile radius of the Monument. Cities and 

communities within that radius include California Valley, McKittrick, Valley Acres, Derby Acres, 

Fellows, Ford City, Taft, Maricopa, New Cuyama, and smaller communities falling within this range but 

not specifically identified. In the following tables, these data are generally aggregated and, where 

available, data for individual communities have been cited. 

III.T.2.1 Population

Population growth over the past three decades has been consistent and has ranged from somewhat to very 

rapid for Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Population growth in all of these 

counties has been faster than the rest of the U.S. and, for all except Santa Barbara, has outpaced growth in 

the State of California as a whole. 

 

III.T.2.2 Age 

The median age of residents in the four counties ranged from 30 years in Kern County to 38.5 years in 

San Luis Obispo County. 

III.T.2.3 Race/Ethnicity

Kern County has a higher percentage of persons identifying themselves as of Hispanic or Latino origin 

than the other counties. San Luis Obispo County’s population predominantly consists of those identifying 

themselves as white, whereas in other counties this group comprises approximately half the total 

population. All counties had relatively low populations of those identifying themselves as Black or 

African American, and American Indian and Alaska Native.

III.T.2.4 Number of Households, Household Size, and Income

Average household size has decreased slightly in Kern County since 2000, increased in San Luis Obispo 

and Santa Barbara counties, and remained constant in Ventura County. From 2000 to 2006, median 

housing values for owner-occupied units rose dramatically in all counties, with the largest percentage 

increase in Kern County (63.4 percent). The number of housing units increased over that same timeframe 

in each of the four counties, again with the largest increase in Kern County, at 31,087, and the smallest in 

Santa Barbara County, with 7,979.

In 2006, median household income ranged from $35,160 in the Carrizo Trade Area to $72,107 in Ventura 

County. Per capita income followed a similar pattern. The Carrizo Trade Area also had the highest 

percentage of families with income below the poverty level at 18.3 percent, with Kern County at 17.1 

percent, Santa Barbara County at 9.5 percent, and San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties at 6.2 and 6.4 

percent, respectively. These figures compare with 9.8 percent for the nation as a whole, and 9.7 percent 

over the entire State of California. 

In 2004, 32 percent of all personal income in Kern and San Luis Obispo counties was derived from nonlabor sources, as compared with 25 percent in Ventura County and 36 percent in Santa Barbara County. 

Dividends, interest, and rent accounted for 13 percent of non-labor income in Kern County, and 15 

percent in San Luis Obispo County, whereas in Santa Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties these 

categories were 23 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-62

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.T.2.5 Education 

All four counties and the Carrizo Trade Area have high percentages of persons, aged 25 and over, having 

achieved a high school diploma or equivalent. Kern County and the Carrizo Trade Area are notably lower 

for persons holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. 

III.T.2.6 Employment of Residents

Employment patterns for the Carrizo Trade Area are based on 2007 estimates and are not available for all 

categories. Based on available data, however, it is estimated that there are 12,594 persons age 16 and over 

in the Trade Area. Of these, 6 are in the Armed Forces, 5,824 are in civilian employment, and 807, or 6.4 

percent, are unemployed. There are approximately 5,957 persons not in the labor force. Based on these 

data, the largest sector for employment for residents of all counties was government, followed by retail 

trade and agriculture in Kern County, leisure and hospitality in San Luis Obispo County, professional and 

business services in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and manufacturing in Ventura County.

III.T.2.7 Environmental Justice 

Minorities and Minority Populations

The social and economic context within which the Monument is located is relatively diverse and varies 

among the four counties and the Carrizo Trade Area. The data from 2006/2007 indicate that the majority 

of residents categorize themselves as white, ranging from 42.7 percent in Kern County to 77.1 percent in 

the Carrizo Trade Area. Other races represent a significantly smaller segment of the population. A 

substantial portion (45.2 percent) of the population in Kern County identify themselves as Hispanic or 

Latino origin in combination with other races, with 38.2 and 36.5 percent in Santa Barbara and Ventura 

counties, respectively. In San Luis Obispo County and in the Carrizo Trade Area, only 18.3 and 25.5 

percent of the population identify themselves as being of Hispanic or Latino origin. 

Approximately 67,486 persons, or about 11.6 percent of the total population, identified themselves as 

Black and African American. Fewer than 10,000 persons, or approximately 3.1 percent of the total 

population, identified themselves as American Indian and Alaska Native. 

Low Income Populations

A diverse range of incomes also characterizes the regional and local population. Median incomes per 

household in 2006 ranged from $35,160 in the Carrizo Trade Area to $72,107 in Ventura County. In Kern 

County, median income was $43,106 per household, and in San Luis and Santa Barbara counties, it was 

$50,209 and $53,477, respectively. Based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates, approximately 18.3 percent 

of families in the Carrizo Trade Area had an income that was below poverty level. For Kern County as a 

whole, this figure is 17.1 percent, while Santa Barbara County more closely matched the national average, 

at 9.5 percent. San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties are estimated to have had 6.2 and 6.4 percent 

families living below the poverty level, respectively. 

Native American Populations

Data indicate that individual Native Americans (and Alaskan Natives) account for a small percentage of 

the regional population. Federally recognized groups occupy the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians 

(Chumash) reservation in Santa Barbara County, located many miles southwest of the Monument, near 

Santa Ynez. Other federally recognized groups include residents of the Tule River Reservation near 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-63

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Porterville, to the northeast, and the Santa Rosa Rancheria near Lemore, to the north; both are Yokuts 

reservations. There are also a number of non-federally recognized groups of Chumash, Yokuts, and 

Salinan. These groups have characteristically expressed an active interest in the management of the 

Monument and are represented on the Advisory Committee (see Section III.T.1.2). 

People of the Chumash tribe, as well as Yokuts and Salinan, utilize areas within the Monument for 

traditional uses including plant gathering and ceremonial activities. Policies established by BLM and the 

Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region in 2006, in coordination with federal tribes and non-federally 

recognized Native Americans in California, ensure access by traditional native practitioners to plants. The 

policy also ensures that management of these plants promotes ecosystem health for BLM- and Forest 

Service-managed lands. BLM management units are encouraged to support and incorporate into their 

planning traditional native and native practitioner plant-gathering of culturally utilized plants for 

traditional use.

III.T.3 Local Economic Activity Affected by CPNM Management 

III.T.3.1 Non-Market Values 

The most important socio-economic factors associated with the CPNM are the non-market values offered 

by the conservation and management of the Monument’s lands as a pristine and remote undeveloped area, 

with unique and sensitive natural and cultural resources. 

III.T.3.2 Land Value and Income Enhancement Values 

These non-market resources enhance the value of other land in the region. Although difficult to quantify, 

this value-added has been established through various empirical studies. Open space is generally seen as 

an enhancement value, especially if the open space lands are not intensively developed for recreation 

purposes (Fausold and Lilieholm 1996). 

Research conducted by the Sonoran Institute shows that individual income growth benefits from the

presence of publicly owned lands. In counties with more than 60 percent of lands managed by federal 

agencies such as the Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service, personal income has grown at a 

faster rate than in counties where less than 10 percent of lands are publicly owned. This trend is even 

more notable in rural counties where public lands are conserved and protected from development. In 

counties with more than 60 percent of federal lands designated as wilderness, national parks, wildlife 

refuges, national Monuments, or other protected status, data show there was a 66 percent increase in 

average annual income growth over the 30-year period from 1970 to 2000 (Sonoran Institute 2006; 

Rasker et al. 2004). 

III.T.3.3 Monument Visitor Use Patterns

Estimates of visitorship to the Monument are based on records of visitors to the visitor’s center, as well as 

on traffic data collected at the primary entrances to the Monument and extrapolated using an average per 

vehicle occupancy of 2.5 persons. Based on these data, BLM estimates that an average of 38,700 persons 

visited the CPNM in 2002 and 2003, of which an average of 3,372 stopped at the visitor’s center. 

Visitorship to the Monument increased to 87,040 in 2007.

For visitors who signed the registry in 2002–2003, about 34.7 percent identified their place of residence 

as the Central Coast; BLM estimates that about one-half of these were from San Luis Obispo County. 

Another 20.5 percent came from northern California, while 17.8 percent came from Bakersfield and the 

Central Valley. Visitors from southern California accounted for another 17.9 percent, and out of state or 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-64

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

foreign visitors represented about 9.0 percent. Visitorship is typically highest during March and April, 

during wildflower season, with about 56 percent of visitors counted at the visitor’s center during those 

months (B. Wick, BLM, personal communication, 2007).

III.T.4 Market and Commodity Values

III.T.4.1 Land Use and Development 

Land uses within the four-county area that define the social and economic context of the Monument are 

varied. Within portions of each of the four counties, there are high-density urban and suburban residential 

developments, and commercial and industrial centers. The nearest urbanized areas are Bakersfield, 

approximately 75 miles to the east, and San Luis Obispo, approximately 60 miles to the west. 

Within an approximately 10-mile radius of the Monument itself, total population has been estimated at 

approximately 16,736 persons, with the largest concentrations in Taft, Ford City, and Maricopa (Claritas, 

Inc. 2007). Land uses in this area are primarily single-family residential development, agricultural and 

ranching operations, and energy production, primarily oil and gas fields. Agriculture and oil and gas 

production are among the primary economic activities of the area, further discussed below. The Kern 

County General Plan designates a total of 3,568,697 acres, or approximately 67 percent of land designated 

under the plan, with the “Resource” designation, which includes petroleum and wind (Kern County 

2005). 

Development constraints in the area surrounding the Monument have historically included remoteness, 

availability of water, and, to some extent, access (San Luis Obispo County 1980). Emerging issues 

include potential conflicts related to conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses and land use 

compatibility issues associated with these conflicts (Kern County 2005). Topography and risk from 

seismic activity may also serve as constraints in some areas. 

Lands within the Monument are primarily undeveloped and vacant, with limited paved public roads. 

There are fewer than 15 structures over the total Monument area, including historic ranch buildings and 

the Goodwin Education Center. These lands are also used for livestock grazing, mineral extraction (to a 

limited extent), and recreational uses.

As previously discussed, it is well understood that the presence of conserved open space lands, especially 

those under federal management, enhances the value of nearby lands. The non-market values described 

above distinguish the CPNM as a vital regional and local natural asset. The success of conservation 

efforts such as the San Joaquin Valley Recovery Plan depends on the continued protection of the sensitive 

biological resources found in the Monument. Based on the trends and patterns discussed in Section 

III.T.3, the preservation of the CPNM’s remote and pristine nature may well be considered as a potential 

growth attracter, albeit indirectly, to developable lands in neighboring valleys, and may also provide a 

context for development planning on those lands. 

III.T.4.2 Mineral Estates 

Within the Monument, approximately 56 percent of the mineral estate is privately owned. Valid leases, 

claims, and other rights that existed as of January 17, 2001, may be developed, and any proposed 

activities would be subject to applicable CEQA and NEPA environmental processes, as appropriate. 

There are currently nine active oil and gas leases. Currently there is only one active production area, 

located near the southwest boundary of the Monument, and test wells have indicated limited potential for 

commercial quantities of oil elsewhere in the area. However, as oil prices increase, reserves that are 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-65

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

currently considered uneconomical may become economically viable for future development (BLM 1996; 

personal communication, J. Prude, BLM petroleum engineer, 2008). 

III.T.4.3 Agriculture

Agriculture has historically been and currently is a primary and vital economic activity in the region 

(Kern County 2005). In 2006, 44,600 persons, or 16.1 percent of the civilian labor force in Kern County, 

were employed in agriculture, while in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties there were 15,500 and 22,800 

persons employed in agriculture, respectively. In San Luis Obispo County, this industry accounted for 

only 4,300 people in the civilian workforce, or 3.2 percent (California Department of Finance 2007). 

Livestock grazing and ranching have been of particular importance in the region. Based on U.S. Census 

Bureau agriculture data for 2002, there were about 2.7 million acres in farms in Kern County, of which 

1.6 million acres were in pastureland and rangeland. For San Luis Obispo, there were 1.3 million acres in 

farms and 1.0 million acres in pastureland and rangeland (USDA 2002). Cattle sales in Kern County in 

2002 yielded approximately $88.3 million in revenues, as compared with approximately $21.7 million in 

San Luis Obispo County in the same year (USDA 2002).

Grazing Fees and Contributions

BLM calculates federal grazing fees in March of each year, based on a formula that is calculated using the 

1966 base value of $1.23 per animal unit month (AUM) (the amount of forage needed to sustain one cow, 

five sheep, or five goats for one month) for livestock grazing on public lands in western states. Annual 

adjustments are based on three factors: current private grazing land lease rates, beef cattle prices, and the 

cost of livestock production. The grazing fee rate was $1.79 per AUM in 2005 (BLM 2005), $1.56 per 

AUM in 2006 (BLM 2006), and was at its minimum value of $1.35 per AUM in 2007.

In compliance with the Taylor Grazing Act (Section 10), BLM shares grazing receipts from Section 15 

grazing leases equally with local governments where they are collected. For the state fiscal year 2003–

2004, Kern County received $7,347 in Section 15 lease fees, and San Luis Obispo County received 

$3,208. For fiscal year 2004–2005, Kern County reported $6,996 and San Luis Obispo County $5,081. 

These figures increased in 2005–2006 to $7,603 for Kern County, and decreased for San Luis Obispo 

County, to $4,266. It should be noted that these revenues come from all BLM Section 15 grazing leases in 

these counties, not only those within the CPNM (K. Doran, BLM, personal communication, 2008).

 

There are no direct grazing fees associated with the free use grazing permits on the valley floor/foothill 

region of the Monument. Permittees under these authorizations have agreed to voluntarily contribute to a 

BLM fund for the construction and maintenance of range improvements or facilities to support the 

vegetation management program within the Monument. Contributions to the Carrizo Grazing Facility 

Fund are determined by actual AUMs of livestock use and AUM rates are based on a modified federal 

grazing fee structure. These contributions are variable per year based on how much pastureland is 

available and conditions in the region. Contributions to the fund in fiscal year 2003–2004 were 

approximately $2,629.27, in fiscal year 2004–2005 were $0.00, and in fiscal year 2005–2006 were 

approximately $5,585.29. 

Grazing Permit and Real Estate Value 

Generally, there is a correlation between ranch land values and federal grazing permits, with ranches that 

hold such permits having a higher value. This value is based on the premise that the permit’s value 

reflects, to some extent at least, the capitalized difference between the grazing fee and the competitive 

market value of federal forage. It also reflects the requirement for the permittee to hold private base 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-66

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

property to which the federal permitted use is attached, giving the base property holder priority for 

renewal over other potential applicants. This value is recognized by lending institutions during a loan 

process and by the Internal Revenue Service when a property transfer occurs.

Permit values fluctuate based on market forces but generally depend on the number of AUMs and other 

terms of the lease or permit. Permit values may vary widely, depending on the location and the estimated 

average value of replacement forage. The 2006 average fee per AUM on private lands ranged from a low 

of $8.00 to $22.50 over 16 western states, with an average of $13.34. The rate assessed in California in 

2006 was $15.40 per AUM. This is also the rate assessed by BLM for non-willful unauthorized grazing 

use in the state (BLM 2006). This figure is used here to estimate a conservative value of all Section 15 

leases in the CPNM. Based on 8,634 AUMs, the total annual grazing value of all traditional leases in the 

CPNM would be $132,964. It should be noted that the issuance of a grazing permit or grazing lease does 

not create any right or title to U.S. interests for the permittee or lessee. 

Although not attached to private land base properties like Section 15 grazing leases, free use grazing 

permits, such as those on the valley floor/foothill regions of the Monument, have capital value that allows 

ranchers to use permits as a form of collateral. Counties also assess the value of these permits for 

collecting possessory interest tax, discussed further below. 

III.T.4.4 Local Government Revenues

Private landowners in the CPNM pay property tax to the county within which their holdings lie, with San 

Luis Obispo County receiving the most property taxes annually. Revenues from public lands in the 

Monument are paid to each county through payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) and possessory interest tax. 

Payments in Lieu of Taxes 

PILT are paid by federal agencies to local governments to compensate for the nontaxable federal lands 

that occur in their boundaries. These funds are appropriated annually by Congress to BLM, which then 

allocates payments according to a formula established in the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act. These 

payments account for population, receipt-sharing payments, and the amount of federal land in a county. 

PILT payments are transferred to state or local governments, as applicable, and are in addition to other 

federal revenues, including those from grazing fees. For San Luis Obispo County, PILT receipts for fiscal 

year 2005–2006 were $617,106, and for fiscal year 2006-2007 were $619,602. For Kern County for the 

same years, PILT receipts were $1,390,889 and $1,383,581, respectively (USDI 2008). 

Possessory Interest Tax

Federal grazing permits and leases in California are subject to possessory interest tax. State and local 

jurisdictions do not receive property tax revenues on public lands, as they do on private lands. However, 

free use grazing permits and Section 15 grazing leases, as well as mining claims and other permits that 

allow private citizens to use resources on publicly owned lands, are considered as the private right to the 

possession and use of those lands. These “rights” are taxed by the county in which the lands are located. 

The base rate is determined by each county’s assessment of the permit value. San Luis Obispo County 

and Kern County assess this tax at a base rate of approximately 1.1 percent of the assessed value of the 

permit (C. Dines, County of San Luis Obispo Auditor/Controller’s Office, personal communication, 

2008; D. Stevenson, Kern County Administrative Office, Budget and Finance, personal communication, 

2008). 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-67

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

III.U Solid and Hazardous Waste

Solid and hazardous waste management practices on BLM lands are regulated under the following U.S. 

laws, with implementing regulations in the identified sections of the CFR:

• Clean Air Act, as amended (40 CFR 50-80, 61)

• Clean Water Act (40 CFR 110-140, 400-470)

• Safe Drinking Water Act (40 CFR 140-149)

• Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (40 CFR 700-750, 760s, 790-799)

• Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (40 CFR 150-186)

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (40 CFR 260-263, 264-270)

• Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 CFR 170s)

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 CFR 1910)

• Asbestos Hazards Emergency Response Act of 1986 (40 CFR 763)

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (40 CFR 

300)

• Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) 

• Emergency Planning and Community Right to-Know Act of 1986 (SARA Title III) (40 CFR 350, 355, 

370, 372)

• Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 

• Pollution Prevention Act

• NEPA

• any other relevant federal, state, or local laws or regulations

BLM currently complies with the pertinent laws and regulations regarding solid and hazardous waste 

disposal within the Monument. Non-hazardous solid waste is routinely collected from receptacles and 

facilities by BLM personnel or contractors and transported to a properly licensed and operated waste 

transfer station. BLM does not burn waste or dispose of waste on-site. Occasionally, illegal dumping 

occurs on public land within the Monument. This illegal waste is disposed properly by BLM and, when 

feasible, the responsible party is identified and legal remedies are sought. 

The military installation known as the Soda Lake AGGR consists of 15 sections of BLM and private land 

(approximately 9,600 acres) in the northern part of the CPNM. These lands were withdrawn by the U.S. 

Department of Defense in 1944 for use as air-to-ground strafing and bombing training targets. Used only 

for a few years, these 15 sections of land were transferred back to BLM and the private land owners by 

the Department of Defense in 1947. BLM has since purchased the private lands in the former Soda Lake 

AGGR, and all 15 sections of the former Soda Lake AGGR are now owned as public land and managed 

by BLM as part of the CPNM. 

The Soda Lake AGGR was composed of one strafing range, one skip bomb range, and one bomb target 

range. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has conducted two on-site reconnaissance surveys of this 

withdrawn facility. The first was conducted in 1996 to survey the site for unexploded ordnance, and 

second was in September 2007 to sample the AGGR for chemical contamination. Small arms ordnance 

and practice bombs have been identified on the ground at all three ranges. As with all former target 

ranges, there is a potential for the continued presence of unexploded ordnance and chemical 

contamination.

If and when ordnance or chemical hazards that endanger the public are identified, normal and appropriate 

emergency response actions would immediately be taken in accordance with the policies of BLM and San 

Luis Obispo County (such as closure of hazard area, public notification, removal of hazard). Since the 
Chapter III: AREA DESCRIPTION AND RESOURCE VALUES

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT III-68

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

need for or specific details of such actions are speculative, they are not discussed further in the RMP; 

however, an appropriate level of NEPA review would be undertaken if the need for a response action is 

identified. 

No landfills or other hazardous waste sites are known to occur on public lands in the CPNM. Currently, 

the volume of hazardous waste that is generated in the CPNM does not exceed the threshold allowed for a 

conditionally exempt small quantity generator. The small volume of hazardous waste that is generated at 

the CPNM is either recycled or disposed through San Luis Obispo or Kern County’s Small Quantity 

Generator Program. The hazardous waste stream consists of used motor oil and occasional expired or 

obsolete hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, batteries, and lubricants. These hazardous materials 

are recycled using BMPs, when possible.

Personnel associated with the CPNM continue to identify less-toxic alternatives to hazardous materials 

that have been used traditionally. As required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 

Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), material safety data sheets are obtained and made 

available where potentially hazardous chemicals are used or stored.

Non-hazardous waste streams (such as paper, aluminum, and glass) are recycled when it is economically 

feasible. However, most CPNM public facilities are not currently equipped with receptacles for recyclable 

materials. In summary, the hazardous and solid waste management program at the Monument is 

implemented following standard federal and state policies, and there are no issues that are within the 

scope of the RMP. Therefore, hazardous and solid wastes are not addressed further under the RMP 

alternatives or impact discussion.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Chapter IV. SUPPORTING 

MATERIALS
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Chapter IV. SUPPORTING MATERIALS

This chapter provides the references cited throughout this document (Section IV.A) and a list of acronyms 

used (Section IV.B).

IV.A References Cited in this Document

Chapter I 

California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2007. Pest Ratings of Noxious Weed Species and 

Noxious Weed Seed. Accessed at 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/pdfs/noxiousweed_ratings.pdf

California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2008. Encycloweedia: Notes on Identification, Biology, 

and Management of Plants Defined as Noxious Weeds by California Law. Accessed at 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/encycloweedia_hp.htm

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1996. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan. Bakersfield Field 

Office. Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1997. Caliente RMP. Bakersfield Field Office, Bakersfield, CA.

Chapter II

Avian Power Line Interaction Committee 2006: Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power 

Lines, The State of the Art in 2006. Edison Electric Institute, Avian Power Line Interaction 

Committee, and the California Energy Commission. Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2007. Pest Ratings of Noxious Weed Species and 

Noxious Weed Seed. Accessed at 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/pdfs/noxiousweed_ratings.pdf

California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2008. Encycloweedia: Notes on Identification, Biology, 

and Management of Plants Defined as Noxious Weeds by California Law. Accessed at 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/encycloweedia_hp.htm

Cal-IPC. 2008. California Invasive Plant Council. http://www.cal-ipc.org/

Sawyer, J.O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995.A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant 

Society. Sacramento, CA. 

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1992. BLM Manual 9015. Integrated Weed Management. Accessed 

at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/weeds/9015.html

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1995. Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness 

Review. BLM Handbook H-8550-1. 

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1997. Caliente RMP. Bakersfield Field Office, Bakersfield, CA.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

U.S. Department of the Interior. 2007. Adaptive Management: The U. S. Department of the Interior 

Technical Guide. Adaptive Management Working Group.

http://www.doi.gov/initiatives/AdaptiveManagement/TechGuide.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1995. Federal Wildland Fire 

Management Policy and Program Review Final Report. December 18, 1995. 

U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2003. Interagency Strategy for the 

Implementation of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. June 30, 2003.

U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2008. Interagency Standards for Fire 

and Fire Aviation Operations. NFES 2724. January 2008. 

http://www.nifc.gov/policies/red_book.htm

U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2009. Guidance for Implementation 

of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. February 13, 2009. Fire Executive Council, Boise, 

ID.

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. 

Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, and National Association of State Foresters. 2001. 

Review and Update of the 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. January 2001.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth Recovery Plan. Portland, OR. 

February 8, 1984. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Grazing Biological Opinion. 1-1-93-F70. July 5, 1994.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996a. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Biological Opinion. 1-1-95-F-149. 

February 1, 1996.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996b. Recovery Plan for the California Condor. 3rd revision. Portland, 

OR. April 25, 1996. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Caliente RMP Biological Opinion. 1-1-97-F-64. March 1, 1997.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, 

California. Region 1, USFWS. Portland, OR.

Chapter III

Audubon. 2008. Christmas Bird Count. National Audubon Society. 

http://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/count_table.html

Belnap, J., J.H. Kaltenecker, R. Rosentreter, J. Williams, S. Leonard, and D. Eldridge. 2001. Biological 

Soil Crusts: Ecology and Management. National Science and Technology Center. Bureau of Land 

Management, Technical Reference 1730-2. Denver, CO.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Bidlack, A.L. 2007. Mesocarnivore responses to changes in habitat and resource availability in California. 

Ph.D. dissertation. University of Califirnia, Berkeley. 190 pp.

California Department of Finance. 2007. Employment by industry data, historical annual average 1990–

2006. Sacramento, CA. 

http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/?PageID=4&SubID=166 

California Department of Fish and Game. 2002. Draft elk hunting: Environmental impact report. The 

State of California Resources Agency. Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Fish and Game. 2007. Unpublished elk monitoring data.

California Department of Fish and Game. 2007b. 2007/2008 California Hunting Licenses fee matrix. 

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/hunting/huntdescrip.html

California Department of Fish and Game. 2008a. Endangered Species Profile, San Joaquin Kit Fox. 

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species

California Department of Fish and Game. 2008b. Natural Diversity Database, Version 3.1.0. March 1, 

2008. Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/

California Department of Food and Agriculture. 2007. California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

Encycloweedia. http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/weedinfo/winfo_list-pestrating.htm

California Energy Commission. 2005. Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in California. CEC-500-

2005-103-SD, June 2005. Prepared in support of the 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report 

Proceeding (Docket # 04-IEPR-01E).

California Native Plant Society. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. 6th edition. 

Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Convening Editor. California Native 

Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. 

Callihan, R.H., T.S. Prather, and F.E. Northam. 1993. Longevity of yellow starthistle (Centaurea

solstitalis) achenes in soil. Weed Technology 7:3–35.

Carter, J.B. 1985. “Depositional environments of the type temblor formation, Chico Martinez Creek, Kern 

County, California.” In Geology of the Temblor Formation, Western San Joaquin Basin, 

California. S.A. Graham, ed. Annual Meeting, Pacific Section, Society of Economic 

Paleontologists and Mineralogists.

Christensen, J.H., B. Hewitson, A. Busuioc, A. Chen, X. Gao, I. Held, R. Jones, R.K. Kolli, W.-T. Kwon,

R. Laprise, V. Magaña Rueda, L. Mearns, C.G. Menéndez, J. Räisänen, A. Rinke, A. Sarr, and P. 

Whetton. 2007. “Regional Climate Projections.” In Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science 

Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the 

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. S. Solomon, D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. 

Marquis, K.B. Avery, M. Tignor, and H.L. Miller, eds. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 

United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

Christian, C.E., L.R. Saslaw, J.F. Pollock, and D.F. Doak. in prep. Conditional impacts of livestock 

grazing on an arid California grassland.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-4

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Claritas, Inc. 2007. Demographic Snapshot for Carrizo Trade Area. San Diego, CA.

Cypher, E. 1994. Demography of Caulanthus californicus, Lembertia congdonii, and Eriastrum hooveri, 

and vegetation characteristics of endangered species populations in the southern San Joaquin 

Valley and the Carrizo Plain Natural Area in 1993. Prepared for California Department of Fish 

and Game. Sacramento, CA.

Cypher, B.L., G.D. Warrick, M.R. Otten, T.P. O’Farrell, W.H. Berry, C.E. Harris, T.T. Kato, P.M. 

McCue, J.H. Scrivner, B.W. Zoellick. 2000. Population dynamics of San Joaquin kit foxes at the 

Naval Petroleum Reserves in California. Wildlife Monographs 145:1-43. 

Cypher, B., C.D. Bjurlin, and J.L. Nelson. 2005. Effects of two-lane roads on endangered San Joaquin kit 

foxes. California State University, Stanislaus, Endangered Species Recovery Program. Fresno, 

CA.

Dibblee, T.W., Jr. 1962. “Displacements on the San Andreas rift zone and related structures in Carrizo 

Plain and vicinity.” In Guidebook: Geology of the Carrizo Plains and San Andreas Fault. O. 

Hackell, ed. San Joaquin Geological Society and American Association of Petroleum Geologists 

and Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists.

Dibblee, T.W., Jr. 1973a. Regional geologic map of San Andreas and related faults in the Carrizo Plain, 

Temblor, Caliente, and La Panza Ranges and vicinity, California. United States Geological 

Survey Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations Map I-757.

Dibblee, T.W., Jr. 1973b. Stratigraphy of the southern Coast Ranges near the San Andreas Fault from 

Cholame to Maricopa, California. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 764.

Dougherty, Jack F. 1940. A new Miocene mammalian fauna from Caliente Mountain, California. 

Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication 518(8):109–143.

Dugger, B.D., and K.M. Dugger. 2002. “Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus).” In The Birds of 

North America. A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. No. 628. Academy of Natural Sciences. Philadelphia, 

PA.

Eng, L.A., D. Belk, and C.H. Eriksen. 1990. Californian anostraca: Distribution, habitat, and status. 

Journal of Crustacean Biology 10(2):247–277.

Endangered Species Recovery Program (ESRP). 2005. Endangered Species Recovery Program 

monitoring of giant kangaroo rats at the Elkhorn Plain Ecological Reserve 1987–2005. 

Unpublished data. 

Fausold, C.J., and R.J. Lilieholm. 1996. The economic value of open space. Land Lines 8(5):1–4. Online 

at http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/PubDetail.aspx?pubid=506

Fitton, S. 1998. Wintering raptors of the CPNA. Plain Talk 5(2)4–7.

Germano, D.J., and L.R. Saslaw. 2007. Unpublished data. Results of giant kangaroo rat trapping at North 

Lokern census plot, 1993—2007.

Germano, D.J., and D.F. Williams. 2005. Population ecology of blunt-nosed leopard lizards in high 

elevation foothill habitat. Journal of Herpetology 39(1):1–18.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-5

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Germano, D.J., G.B. Rathbun, and L.R. Saslaw. 2001. Managing exotic grasses and conserving declining 

species. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29(2):551–559.

Germano, D.J., P.T. Smith, and S.P. Tabor. 2007. Food habits of the blunt-nosed leopard lizard 

(Gambelia sila). The Southwestern Naturalist 52:319–324. 

Gernon, W.J. 1978. Habitat utilization by sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) on the Carrizo plain, San 

Luis Obispo County, California. Unpublished report. Natural Resources Management 

Department. California Polytechnic State University. San Luis Obispo, California. 27 pp.

Gervais, J.A., and R.G. Anthony. 2003. Chronic organochlorine contaminants, environmental variability, 

and the demographics of a burrowing owl population. Ecological Applications 13:1250–1262.

Goldingay, R.L., P.A. Kelly, and D.F. Williams. 1997. The kangaroo rats of California: endemism and 

conservation of keystone species. Pacific Conservation Biology. 3:47–60.

Grant, C. 1978. “Interior Chumash.” In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8. R.F. Heizer, ed. 

Smithsonian Institution. Washington, DC.

Grinnell J., J.S. Dixon, and J.M. Linsdale. 1937. Fur-bearing Mammals of California, Vol. 2. University 

of California Press. Berkeley, CA.

Hamilton, J.G. 1997. Changing perceptions of pre-European grasslands in California. Madroño 44:311–

333.

Heady, H.F. 1977. “Valley Grassland.” In Terrestrial Vegetation of California. M.G. Barbour and J. 

Major, eds. California Native Plant Society Special Publication Number 9. Sacramento, 

California.

Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. 

Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. 

Higgins, C.T. 1980. Geothermal Resources of California: California Division of Mines and Geology 

Geologic Data Map Series Map No. 4.

Holland, R.F. 1988. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. 

California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

Holstein, G. 2001. Pre-agricultural grassland in central California. Madroño 48(4):25–264.

Hubert, E., and K. Kakiba-Russell. 1991. “California jewelflower (Caulanthus californicus).” In Carrizo 

Plain Natural Area Biological Resources Inventory: Sensitive Species Accounts. K. KakibaRussell, E. Hubert, and L. Spiegel, eds. Prepared for the California Energy Commission and The 

Nature Conservancy.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2007. Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. 

Contribution of Working Groups I, II, and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the 

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Core Writing Team, Pachauri, R.K. and Reisinger, 

A. (eds.). Geneva, Switzerland.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-6

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Jennings, M.R., and M. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. 

California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

Johnson, J. 1985. An archaeological survey in the vicinity of Painted Rock, Carrizo Plain, San Luis 

Obispo County, CA. Office Public Archaeology. Department of Anthropology, University of 

California Santa Barbara.

Johnston, D. 1998. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Bat Survey Results. U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 

Bakersfield, CA. Unpublished report.

Johnston, D. 2007. Bat surveys of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. H.T. Harvey and Associates 

Project #1456-02. U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Bakersfield, CA. Unpublished report.

Jump, P.M., T. Longcore, and C. Rich. 2006. Ecology and distribution of a newly discovered population 

of the federally threatened Euproserpinus euterpe (Sphingidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ 

Society 60(1):41–50.

Kakiba-Russell, K., E. Hubert, and L. Spiegel. 1991. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Biological Resources 

Inventory: Sensitive Species Accounts. Prepared for the California Energy Commission and The 

Nature Conservancy.

Kern County. 2005. Kern County General Plan. Land and Energy Elements. Bakersfield, CA.

Klute, D.S., L.W. Ayers, J.A. Dechant, M.T. Green, W.H. Howe, S.L. Jones, J.A. Shaffer, S.R. Sheffield, 

and T.S. Zimmerman. 2003. Status assessment and conservation plan for the western burrowing 

owl in the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological 

Technical Publication USFWS/BTP-R6001-2003. Washington, DC.

Knopf, F.L. 1996. “Mountain plover (Charadrius montanus).” In The Birds of North America. A. Poole 

and F. Gill, eds. No. 211. Academy of Natural Sciences. Philadelphia, PA.

Knopf, F.L., and J.R. Rupert. 1995. Habits and habitats of mountain plovers in California. Condor 

97:743–751.

Kueppers, L.M., M.A. Snyder, L.C. Sloan, E.S. Zavaleta, and B. Fulfrost. 2005. Modeled regional climate 

change and California endemic oak ranges. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science

102(45):16281–16286.

Lewis, J.C. 1976. Roost habitat and roosting behavior of sandhill cranes. Proceeding of the International 

Crane Workshop 1:93-104.

Longshore, K., and C. Lowrey. 2007. Habitat analysis and food habits of pronghorn antelope in the 

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California. Final report, U.S. Geological Survey.

Matocq, M., D. McCullough, J. Ballou, and K. Jones. 2002. Founder events, bottlenecks, and genetic 

diversity in the tule elk: theoretical predictions meet reality. Presented at 16th annual conference 

for Society of Conservation Biology.

Mayer, K.E., and W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1988: A guide to wildlife habitats of California. California 

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Sacramento, CA. 166 pp.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-7

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Mazer, S.J., and B.A. Hendrickson. 1993. Demography, ecology and reproductive biology of California 

jewelflower (Caulanthus californicus: Brassicaceae). Prepared for California Department of Fish 

and Game. Sacramento, California. 

Meredith, E.P., J.A. Rodzen, J.D. Banks, R. Schaefer, H.B. Ernest, T.R. Famula, and B.P. May. 2007. 

Microsatellite analysis of three subspecies of elk (Cervus elaphus) in California. Journal of 

Mammalogy 88(3):801–808.

Moratto, M.J. 1984. California Archaeology. Academic Press. Orlando, FL. 

Morey, S.R. 1998. “Pool duration influences age and body mass at metamorphosis in the western 

spadefoot toad: Implications for vernal pool conservation.” pp. 86-91. In Ecology, Conservation, 

and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems. C.W. Witham, E.T. Bauder, D. Belk, W.R. Ferren 

Jr., and R. Ornduff, eds. Proceedings from 1996 Conference. California Native Plant Society. 

Sacramento, CA. 

Muffler, L.J.P., ed. 1979. Assessment of Geothermal Resources of the United States,1978. United States 

Geological Survey. Geological Survey Circular 790.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2008. Bakersfield rainfall records by water year. 

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/hnx/bfl/normals/bflh2oyr.htm

Nelson, J. 2005. Effects of varying habitats on competition between endangered San Joaquin kit foxes 

(Vulpes macrotis mutica) and coyotes (Canis latrans). MA Thesis. Montana State University. 

Bozeman, MT. 

Olendorff, R.R., D.D. Bibles, M.T. Dean, J.R. Haugh, and M.N. Kochert. 1989. Raptor habitat 

management under the U.S. Bureau of Land Management multiple-use mandate. Raptor Research 

Reports 8:1–80.

Rasker, R., B. Alexander, J. van den Noort, and R. Carter. 2004. Prosperity in the 21st century West: The 

role of protected public lands. Sonoran Institute. Tucson, AZ.

Rhodes, D.D., R. Negrini, J.R. Arrowsmith, and G. Noriega. 2005. New evidence for the age and extent 

of lake deposits in the Carrizo Plain, San Luis Obispo County, California. Geological Society of 

America Abstracts with Programs 37:255. 

http://personal.georgiasouthern.edu/~drhodes/abstracts/GSA05.html

Ronan, N.A. 2002. Habitat selection, reproductive success, and site fidelity of burrowing owls in a 

grassland ecosystem. MS Thesis. Oregon State University. Corvallis, OR.

Rosenberg, D.K., and K.L. Haley. 2004. The ecology of burrowing owls in the agro ecosystems of the 

Imperial Valley, California. Studies in Avian Biology 27:120–135.

Rosenberg, D.K., L.A. Trulio, and D.F. DeSante. 1998. The burrowing owl demography and space-use 

research project in California. Annual report 1998. The Institute for Bird Populations Publication 

Number 96.

Rosenberg, D.K., L.A. Trulio, D. Catlin, D. Chromczack, J.A. Gervais, N. Ronan, and K.A. Haley. 2007. 

The ecology of the burrowing owl in California. Unpublished report to Bureau of Land 

Management.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-8

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Rosier, J.R., N.A. Ronan, and D.K. Rosenberg. 2001. Breeding season survival and dispersal of 

burrowing owls in an extensive California grassland. Draft manuscript.

Ryder, R.T., and A. Thompson. 1989. Tectonically controlled fan delta and submarine fan sedimentation 

of late Miocene age, southern Temblor Range, California. U.S. Geological Survey Professional 

Paper 1442.

San Luis Obispo County. 1980. Shandon-Carrizo Area Plan of the San Luis Obispo County General Plan. 

Land Use and Circulation Elements. County of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Semlitsch, R.D. 2000. Principles for management of aquatic-breeding amphibians. The Journal of 

Wildlife Management 64(3):615-631.

Sibley, D.A., 2001. “Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies.” In The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. C. 

Elphick, J.B. Dunning, Jr. and D.A. Sibley, eds. pp. 273-287. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New York.

Sonoran Institute. 2006. You’ve come a long way, cowboy: Ten truths and trends in the new American 

west. Tucson, AZ. 

Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Second edition, revised. 

Houghton Mifflin Co. New York, NY.

Taylor, D.W. 1989. Status survey for San Joaquin woolly-threads (Lembertia congdonii). Prepared for: 

Office of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sacramento, California.

Taylor, D.W., and W.B. Davilla. 1986. Status survey of three plants endemic to the San Joaquin Valley. 

Prepared for California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, California.

Thorn, A. 1991. Painted Rock conservation project. Getty Conservation Institute. Marina del Rey, CA. 

On file at BLM office, Bakersfield, CA. 

Tuttle, M. 1988. America’s neighborhood bats. University of Texas Press Austin, TX.

Twisselmann, E.C. 1967. A flora of Kern County, California. The Wasmann Journal of Biology 25(1 and 

2).

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1979. Wilderness: Final intensive inventory, public lands 

administered by BLM California outside the California Desert Conservation Area Wilderness. 

Arcata Resource Area, Arcata, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1982. Carrizo spring surveys with water analyses. Unpublished data. 

On file at the BLM Bakersfield Field Office. Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1992. Eriastrum hooveri field inventory 1992. Conducted by R. 

Lewis. Internal document. Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1993. Lembertia congdonii field inventory 1993. Conducted by R. 

Lewis. Internal document. Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Eriastrum hooveri field inventory 1994. Conducted by R. 

Lewis, Internal document, Bakersfield, CA.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-9

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1995. Interim management policy for lands under wilderness review. 

BLM Handbook H-8550-1. Washington, DC.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1996. Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan. Bakersfield Field 

Office. Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1997. Caliente RMP. Bakersfield Field Office, Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 2003. California jewelflower (Caulanthus californicus)-(FE) 

Monitoring/Site Investigation Report, March 2003. Prepared by R. Lewis. Internal document. 

Bakersfield, CA.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 2005- 2006 - 2007. Wintering mountain plover survey results.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 2007a. Checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the Carrizo Plain 

National Monument. 

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo/checklist_herptefauna.html

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 2007b. Checklist of mammals of the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument. 

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo/checklist_mammals.html

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 2007c. Checklist of birds of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. 

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo/birds.html

U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. Data set: Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data. 

http://factfinder.census.gov/

U.S. Census Bureau. 2006. Demographic and housing estimates, selected housing characteristics, and 

selected social characteristics in the United States for Kern, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and 

Ventura counties, for California, and for United States. American Community Survey. 

http://factfinder.census.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2002. 2002 Census of Agriculture. Vol. 1, Chapter 2: California county 

level data. National Agricultural Statistics Service. Washington, DC.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2007. California county data. Livestock: Cattle and calves inventory 

1988–2007. Sheep inventory 1988–1992. National Agricultural Statistics Service. Washington, 

DC.

U.S. Department of the Interior. 2008. Payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) program summary. 

www.nbc.gov/pilt/pilt/search.cfm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Basic Information (Climate Change). Washington, DC. 

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basicinfo.html

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Determination that the Kern primrose sphinx moth (Euproserpinus 

euterpe) is a threatened species; final rule. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal 

Register 45(69):24088–24090.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984a. Revised California condor recovery plan. Portland, OR.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-10

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984b. Kern primrose sphinx moth recovery plan. Portland, OR.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: determination of 

endangered status for the giant kangaroo rat. Federal Register 52:283–288.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of 

endangered status for the conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp, and the vernal pool 

tadpole shrimp; and threatened status for the vernal pool fairy shrimp. Federal Register 

59(180):48136–48154.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery plan for the California condor. U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service, Portland, OR.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, 

California. USFWS Region 1. Portland, OR. 319 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final designation 

of critical habitat for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal plants in California and 

southern Oregon; final rule. Federal Register 68(151):46684–46867.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; removing 

Eriastrum hooveri (Hoover’s woolly-star) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened 

Species. Federal Register 68(194): 57829–57837.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005a. Recovery plan for vernal pool ecosystems of California and 

Southern Oregon. Portland, OR.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final designation 

of critical habitat for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants in California and 

southern Oregon; evaluation of economic exclusions from August 2003 final designation; final 

rule. Federal Register 70(154):46924–46999).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Unpublished draft report. Five year status review of San Joaquin kit 

fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica). Sacramento Field Office. Sacramento, CA. 

U.S. Geological Survey. 1995. National Oil and Gas Assessment and Onshore Federal Lands. OFR 95-

0075-N.

U.S. Geological Survey. 2004. Carrizo Plain National Monument: A 3D photographic tour featuring park 

geology. Online at http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/carrizo/html/a035.htm

U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. Soil Survey of San Luis Obispo County, California, 

Carrizo Plain Area.

Vedder, J.G. 1970. Geologic map of the Wells Ranch and Elkhorn Hills quadrangles, San Luis Obispo 

and Kern Counties, California. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations 

Map I-585.

Vedder, J.G., and C.A. Repenning. 1975. Geologic map of Cuyama and New Cuyama quadrangles, San 

Luis Obispo and Kern counties, California. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Geologic 

Investigations Map I-876.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-11

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Wester, L. 1981. Composition of native grasslands in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Madroño 

28(4):231–241.

Western Regional Climate Center. 2007. Carrizo Remote Automated Weather Station data 1993–2007. 

http://www.raws.dri.edu/cgi-bin/rawMAIN.pl?caCCAR

White P.J., and K. Ralls. 1993. Reproduction and spacing patterns of kit foxes relative to changing prey 

availability. Journal of Wildlife Management 57(4):861–867.

White P.J., C.A. Vanderbilt-White, and K. Ralls. 1996. Functional and numerical responses of kit foxes to 

a short-term decline in mammalian prey. Journal of Mammalogy 77(2):370–376.

Whitley, D.S. 2001. Carrizo Plain Rock Art Discontiguous District, National Register of Historic Places, 

listed 2001. On file at BLM Field Office, Bakersfield, CA. 

Whitley, D.S., and J. Loubser. 2003. Reconnaissance level archaeological survey of portions of the 

Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Obispo County, CA. On file at BLM Field Office, 

Bakersfield, CA. 

Whitley, D.S., J.M. Simon, and J.H.N. Loubser. 2004. Class III inventory of the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument, San Luis Obispo County, CA. On file at BLM Field Office, Bakersfield, CA. 

Williams, D.F., and D.J. Germano. 1994. Population responses of Dipodomys ingens to fluctuating 

precipitation during a 7.5-year period. Presented to the 75th Annual Meeting of the American 

Society of Mammologists. Washington, DC. June 20, 1994. 

Williams, D.F., W. Tordoff III, and J.H. Harris. 1988. San Joaquin antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus 

nelsoni) study. Final Report. California Department of Fish and Game Contract 7398. 62 pp.
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-13

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

IV.B Acronyms

ACEC area of critical environmental concern

AGGR Air to Ground Gunnery Range 

ARPA Archaeological Resources Protection Act

ATV all-terrain vehicle

AUM animal unit month

BLM Bureau of Land Management

BMP best management practice

CaCR California Code of Regulations

CDFG California Department of Fish and Game

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CPNM Carrizo Plain National Monument

EIS environmental impact statement

°F degrees Fahrenheit 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

FMP fire management plan

FMU fire management unit

GIS geographic information system

GPS global positioning system

kV kilovolt

MAC Monument Advisory Committee

MIST minimum impact suppression tactics

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NLCS National Landscape Conservation System

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

OHV off-highway vehicle

PILT payments in lieu of taxes 

PM2.5 particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter

PM10 particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter 

RMP resource management plan

ROD record of decision

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SOP standard operating procedure

SRMA special recreation management area
Chapter IV: SUPPORTING MATERIALS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT IV-14

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

TNC The Nature Conservancy

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

VRI visual resource inventory

VRM visual resources management 

WSA wilderness study area

WWII World War II
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

ATTACHMENTS

 1 Monument Proclamation

 2 Implementation Decisions 

 3 Standard Operating Procedures and Implementation 

Guidelines for Projects Affecting the Biological 

Environment

 4 Minerals Standard Operating Procedures / Best 

Management Practices / Implementation Guidelines 

and Conditions of Approval

 5 Conservation Target Table

 6 Management of Lands with Wilderness 

 Characteristics

 7 Supplementary Rules for Public Use
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 1

Carrizo Plain National Monument 

Presidential Proclamation
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-1-1

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 1 

Carrizo Plain National Monument Presidential Proclamation

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary 

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2001 

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Full of natural splendor and rich in human history, the majestic grasslands and stark ridges in the Carrizo 

Plain National Monument contain exceptional objects of scientific and historic interest. Since the mid1800s, large portions of the grasslands that once spanned the entire four hundred mile expanse of 

California's nearby San Joaquin Valley and other valleys in the vicinity have been eliminated by extensive 

land conversion to agricultural, industrial, and urban land uses. The Carrizo Plain National Monument, 

which is dramatically bisected by the San Andreas Fault zone, is the largest undeveloped remnant of this 

ecosystem, providing crucial habitat for the long-term conservation of the many endemic plant and animal 

species that still inhabit the area.

The monument offers a refuge for endangered, threatened, and rare animal species such as the San 

Joaquin kit fox, the California condor, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, the giant kangaroo rat, the San 

Joaquin antelope squirrel, the longhorn fairy shrimp, and the vernal pool fairy shrimp. It supports 

important populations of pronghorn antelope and tule elk. The area is also home to many rare and 

sensitive plant species, including the California jewelflower, the Hoover's woolly-star, the San Joaquin 

woolly-threads, the pale-yellow layia, the forked fiddleneck, the Carrizo peppergrass, the Lost Hills 

saltbush, the Temblor buckwheat, the recurved larkspur, and the Munz's tidy-tips. Despite past human 

use, the size, isolation, and relatively undeveloped nature of the area make it ideal for long-term 

conservation of the dwindling flora and fauna characteristic of the San Joaquin Valley region.

The Carrizo Plain National Monument also encompasses Soda Lake, the largest remaining natural alkali 

wetland in southern California and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains. As its name 

suggests, Soda Lake concentrates salts as water is evaporated away, leaving white deposits of sulfates and 

carbonates. Despite this harsh environment, small plant and animal species are well adapted to the 

setting, which is also important to migratory birds. During the winter months the lake fills with water and 

teems with thousands of beautiful lesser sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews, and mountain plovers.

The Carrizo Plain National Monument owes its existence to the geologic processes that occur along the 

San Andreas Fault, where two of the Earth's five great tectonic plates slide past one another, parallel to 

the axis of the Plain. Shifting along the fault created the Plain by rumpling the rocks to the northeast into 

the Temblor Range and isolating the Plain from the rest of the San Joaquin Valley. The area is worldfamous for its spectacular exposures of fault-generated land forms Stream valleys emerge from the

adjacent mountains, only to take dramatic right-angle turns where they intersect the fault. Ponds and sags 

form where the ground is extended and subsides between branches of the fault. Benches form where the 

fault offsets valley walls. Many dramatic landscape features are products of the interplay between very 
Attachment 1: MONUMENT PROCLAMATION 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-1-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

rapid fault movement and slower erosion. The dry climate of the area produces low erosion rates, thereby 

preserving the spectacular effects of fault slip, folding, and warping. On the Plain, these fault-related 

events happen intermittently, but with great force. In 1857, the strongest earthquake in California's 

recorded history ripped through the San Andreas Fault, wrenching the western side of the Carrizo Plain 

National Monument thirty-one feet northward.

The area is also distinguished for its significant fossil assemblages. 

The Caliente Formation, exposed on the southeast side of the Caliente Range, is host to abundant and 

diverse terrestrial fossil mammal remains of the Miocene Epoch (from 13 million to 25 million years 

ago). Fossils of five North American provincial mammalian ages (Arikareean, Hemingfordian, 

Barstovian, Clarendonian, Hemphillian) are represented in sedimentary rocks in that formation. These 

terrestrial fossil remains are interlaced with marine sedimentary rocks bearing fossils of mollusks, 

pectens, turitellas, and oysters.

In addition to its geologic and biological wealth, the area is rich in human history. Archaeologists 

theorize that humans have occupied the Carrizo Plain National Monument area since the Paleo Indian 

Period (circa 11,000 to 9,000 B.C.). Bedrock mortar milling features, village middens, and elaborate 

pictographs are the primary manifestations of prehistoric occupation. Some of these, such as the Painted 

Rock and Sulphur Springs rock art sites, are recognized as world class. European expeditions through the 

area date back to the late 1700s, with settlement beginning in the 1850s. Livestock ranching, farming, 

and mining activities in the last century and a half are evidenced by numerous artifacts and historic ranch 

properties within the area.

Section 2 of the Act of June 8, 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431), authorizes the President, in his 

discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and 

other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the 

Government of the United States to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of 

land, the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper 

care and management of the objects to be protected.

WHEREAS it appears that it would be in the public interest to reserve such lands as a national monument 

to be known as the Carrizo Plain National Monument:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by the 

authority vested in me by section 2 of the Act of June 8, 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431), do proclaim

that there are hereby set apart and reserved as the Carrizo Plain National Monument, for the purpose of 

protecting the objects identified above, all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the United 

States within the boundaries of the area described on the map entitled "Carrizo Plain National Monument" 

attached to and forming a part of this proclamation. The Federal land and interests in land 

reserved consist of approximately 204,107 acres, which is the smallest area compatible with the proper 

care and management of the objects to be protected.

All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of this monument are hereby appropriated 

and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, or leasing or other disposition under the 

public land laws, including but not limited to withdrawal from location, entry, and patent under the 

mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by 

exchange that furthers the protective purposes of the monument. For the purpose of protecting the objects 

identified above, the Secretary shall prohibit all motorized and mechanized vehicle use off road, except 

for emergency or authorized administrative purposes.
Attachment 1: MONUMENT PROCLAMATION 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-1-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Lands and interests in lands within the proposed monument not owned by the United States shall be 

reserved as a part of the monument upon acquisition of title thereto by the United States.

The Secretary of the Interior shall manage the monument through the Bureau of Land Management,

pursuant to applicable legal authorities, to implement the purposes of this proclamation.

The Secretary of the Interior shall prepare a management plan that addresses the actions, including road 

closures or travel restrictions, necessary to protect the objects identified in this proclamation.

The establishment of this monument is subject to valid existing rights.

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the jurisdiction of the State of 

California with respect to fish and wildlife management.

There is hereby reserved, as of the date of this proclamation and subject to valid existing rights, a quantity 

of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes for which this monument is established. Nothing in this 

reservation shall be construed as a relinquishment or reduction of any water use or rights reserved or 

appropriated by the United States on or before the date of this proclamation.

Laws, regulations, and policies followed by the Bureau of Land Management in issuing and administering 

grazing permits or leases on all lands under its jurisdiction shall continue to apply with regard to the lands 

in the monument.

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or 

appropriation; however, the national monument shall be the dominant reservation.

Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any 

feature of this monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of January, in the year of 

our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 

twenty-fifth.

 WILLIAM J. CLINTON
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 2

Implementation Decisions
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 2

Implementation Decisions

The following Implementation Decisions have been excerpted from the Approved RMP, where they are 

identified with an "I" designation. The Record of Decision (ROD) approves these actions. They may be 

implemented following the 30-day appeal period described in the ROD. Other implementation-level 

actions, which are not listed below, have an asterisk (I*) where they are included in the ROD; this 

indicates that the action has not been analyzed at a level that would allow for direct implementation from 

the plan and additional environmental analysis would be completed prior to “on-the-ground” 

implementation. Prior to being initiated, all implementation actions will be subject to the appropriate level 

of NEPA review. 

Biological Resources

• Action BIO-7(I): Design other management actions to avoid direct impacts. If a threat is observed, 

take action to protect the species or habitat. Reduce competition from weedy species. Modify, restrict, 

or prohibit livestock grazing to protect rare plant habitat. If necessary, fence known sites and adjacent 

suitable habitat to preclude damage (such as from illegal off-road vehicle activity). 

• Action BIO-9(I): Identify and map core areas for giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San 

Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope squirrel (core area species). Preliminary core areas are 

shown on Map 3-2, Special Status Animals. Focus habitat management for giant kangaroo rat, bluntnosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, and mountain plover on 

these core areas. Manage core areas so they provide a “safety net” to maintain viable populations in 

all years (within management capability) and to prevent core area species from disappearing from the 

Monument. Core areas are determined by having persistent populations of the core area species, 

having suitable habitat in most years, being of a size that can be effectively treated with vegetation / 

habitat management prescriptions when required, and being of a size that has a high likelihood of 

maintaining a viable population of the core area species when vegetation management is applied.

• Action BIO-10(I): Monitor populations to determine trends and further define minimum population 

threshold values to identify when to take management actions. If populations approach target 

minimums, initiate management actions depending on species’ characteristics and specific factors 

influencing population trends as identified in the Conservation Target Table.

• Action BIO-12(I): Manage core area habitat to promote the more open, desert-like structure favored 

by the core area species. In those years when core area species populations are low and vegetation 

structure is above optimum, as identified in the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5), use the 

vegetation management tools included in the Vegetation Management Toolbox. 

• Action BIO-19(I): Identify and map core areas for mountain plover based on historical use patterns. 

Preliminary core areas are shown on Map 3-2, Special Status Animals. Focus habitat management for 

mountain plover to core areas. Manage core areas so that a minimum of one area of suitable habitat is 

provided within the Monument boundary. 

• Action BIO-29(I): Maintain suitable habitat in the Temblor Range subregion. Manage public use to 

prevent habitat degradation and fragmentation.

• Action BIO-41(I): Ensure that BLM actions and authorizations are designed to avoid impacts to 

vernal pools. Manage vernal pools that provide longhorn fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and 

spadefoot toad habitat within the North Carrizo and South Carrizo Vernal Pool Core Areas consistent 

with the Vernal Pool Recovery Plan.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-2 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-44(I): Establish and maintain non-managed areas to compare the effects of purely natural 

processes with those influenced by agency management actions. Investigate the potential of setting 

aside “hands-off” areas where little to no management actions would occur. One management 

exception may be for the treatment of noxious or problematic weedy species.

• Action BIO-55(I): If necessary to prevent target species populations from disappearing from the 

Monument, take action in non-core habitat as well as in core habitat as identified in Attachment 5, 

Conservation Target Table. The decision to apply management outside the core area, and what type of 

management to use, would follow the logic outlined in Figure 2.3-1. Specific management actions 

would be based on evaluations of core area populations, the effectiveness of current management, and 

whether target animal populations are responding to current management. 

• Action BIO-58(I): Maintain and improve areas of pronghorn fawning and foraging habitat in the 

Caliente Foothills North and Carrizo Plain North subregions adequate to support 250 pronghorn. 

Allow livestock grazing in key pronghorn habitat only as identified in Attachment 5, Conservation 

Target Table. 

• Action BIO-73(I): Livestock grazing within the Carrizo Plain North subregion will be done in a 

manner that minimizes impacts to shrubs, tall forbs, and perennial native grasses as identified in the 

Conservation Target Table.

• Action BIO-74(I): Discourage use of polypropylene twine at gates and other facilities in the 

Monument to prevent its use as a nesting material and potential entanglement of birds. Remove and 

replace existing polypropylene twine at gates and facilities. 

• Action BIO-77(I): Control and eliminate, when possible, nonnative animals such as wild pigs and 

honeybees that may have negative impacts on habitat or other species. Potential methods to control 

pigs include hunting, fencing, and trapping. Potential methods to control honeybees include physical 

removal of hives, entombment, traps, insecticides, and poison bait stations. 

• Action BIO-80(I): Take protective measures if pets from visitors or private lands are causing wildlife 

depredation or other ecological damage. Examples: Require pets to be leashed or controlled at all 

times, require pet owners to remove fecal material, and contact owners if free-roaming pets from 

private lands are causing impacts. Pets shall remain leashed at all developed sites including visitor 

centers, interpretive overlooks, and camping areas. 

• Action BIO-81(I): Follow integrated pest management principles (BLM 1992). Each infestation will 

be evaluated as to the best control methods. Criteria include growth characteristics, seed production 

and dispersal, life history stage, size of infestation, difficulty of control, and previous control 

methods. Treatment will use the appropriate method(s), as identified in Table 2.4-2, Management 

Toolbox. Monitor to determine effectiveness of control measures.

• Action BIO-82(I): Monitor to detect new nonnative populations and aggressively work to eliminate 

founder populations before they can spread.

• Action BIO-83(I): Work to eradicate target weed species such as yellow star thistle, bull thistle, 

tamarisk, hoary cress, and Russian knapweed (Table 3.2-4). Control and eradicate tree-of-heaven and, 

for plantings that have cultural or biological importance, replace with native or historically acceptable 

non-invasive species. Work on landscape-wide methods for controlling widespread species such as 

Russian thistle and horehound. 

• Action BIO-84(I): On a landscape level, design and implement measures to suppress nonnative annual 

grasses and herbs. Seed with native species, as applicable.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-3 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action BIO-85(I): Implement measures to minimize the spread of weeds by livestock and equestrian 

activities (for example, encourage weed-free husbandry, prohibit cleaning of horse trailers on the 

Monument, encourage the use of weed-free hay, and monitor corrals and holding pens).

• Action BIO-86(I): Remove nonnative weeds and restore native vegetation to disturbed areas that were 

created by past grazing activities. These include areas around troughs, corrals, and other locations 

where intense livestock presence resulted in a replacement of native vegetation with nonnative 

species such as wild barley, bromes, mustards, cheeseweed, and horehound. 

• Action BIO-87(I): Manage fire (prescribed and wildfire) in the Caliente Mountains North subregion to 

mimic natural return interval.

• Action BIO-88(I): Use fire as a habitat management tool to promote native species.

• Action BIO-89(I): Take measures to increase our understanding of native people’s historic use of fire 

and historic fire return intervals to aid in current management applications.

• Action BIO-90(I): Acquire lands by donation, compensation, exchange, or purchase. Lands will be 

acquired based on availability, biological or cultural values, and management needs.

• Action BIO-91(I): Identify target inholdings. Encourage sale or transference of target properties 

through a variety of methods/incentives.

− Primary focus would be to acquire property that supports habitat and populations of species that 

are poorly represented on public lands such as sphinx moth and California jewelflower.

− Secondary focus would include properties with important ecological characteristics (for example, 

Soda Lake and playa system) that are potential core areas for the San Joaquin suite of rare species 

(giant kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, and San Joaquin antelope 

squirrel), or that support other important CPNM species (spadefoot toads, fairy shrimp, mountain 

plover, and rare plants).

• Action BIO-92(I): Target inholdings that are important in maintaining the linkage between the CPNM 

and the San Joaquin Valley.

• Action BIO-93(I): Target other inholdings that may have management needs or risk of development 

or occupancy.

• Action BIO-94(I): Develop and maintain a geographic information system (GIS) database showing 

the location of target resources to facilitate acquisition efforts

Fire and Fuels Management

• Objective FIRE-3(I): Follow current wildland fire objectives in the fire management plan:

− Target wildfire acres burned per decade: approximately 10,000 acres.

− Target individual wildland fire size: 100 acres or less 80 percent of the time.

− Fires on the valley floor burning in grassland areas away from sensitive cultural sites and fireintolerant shrub areas may be managed using a confine strategy, burning to the nearest roads. It is 

estimated that approximately 20 percent of fires could meet these conditions, with fire size 

averaging 1,000 acres. 

• Action FIRE-14(I):Apply the response to wildland fire using the following assumptions:

− Actively suppress fires that threaten life, facilities, or private property.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-4 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

− Actively suppress fires that threaten fire sensitive natural or cultural resources, such as saltbush or 

other vulnerable shrub communities, Alvord and blue oak stands, and National Register 

properties. Active suppression could include aerial attack, mobile attack, handline construction, 

or dozerline construction (outside of sensitive cultural site areas). Utilize mobile attack in 

preference to more disturbing methods such as dozerline construction. 

− In other areas, apply a confine strategy, where fires are suppressed when they reach the nearest 

existing control feature, such as a road. 

− Utilize MIST for fires burning within the Caliente Mountain WSA (17,984 acres). Use MIST to 

the extent possible, considering other values at risk to be protected, in the remaining primitive 

recreation management zones, which include an additional 44,471 acres. 

− While considering the above assumptions, the incident commander retains the authority during 

initial attack to undertake whatever actions are deemed appropriate based on current and 

anticipated conditions and resource availability (while considering restrictions to protect sensitive 

natural and cultural resources). For example, a confine strategy may not be appropriate in times 

of extremely hot and dry conditions or when multiple incidents in a geographic area have 

depleted available suppression resources. 

• Action FIRE-15(I): Coordinate with biological specialists to utilize prescribed fire to contribute to 

native species restoration goals and noxious weed control. Prescribed fire would also be used to 

return fire to its place in the ecosystem, as well as to meet fuel reduction needs. Treat up to 10,000 

acres with prescribed fire each decade. 

• Action FIRE-16(I): Reduce fuels adjacent to structures and other improvements, as well as along 

major travel corridors to reduce the number of human-caused ignitions in the CPNM. Treat up to 

4,000 acres per decade with non-fire fuels treatment. Treatments could include activities such as 

mowing along roads and providing vegetation clearance around structures. 

Air Quality

• Action AIR-12(I): Avoid burning during high-visitor-use periods to maintain visibility and protect 

human health and safety. (Examples of predictable high-use days include three-day weekends, 

holidays, peak flowering periods, and hunting season openings.)

Soils 

• Action SOIL-2(I): Limit fugitive dust pollution by reducing disturbance to soils.

Water Resources

• Action WTR-9(I): Determine if any existing wells in the CPNM are suitable for water level and water 

quality monitoring.

Geology and Paleontology 

Objective GP-5(I): Focus public education and interpretation of geological and paleontological resources 

at field locations.

Cultural Resources 

Objective CUL-4(I): Provide for the removal of invasive nonnative plants while retaining the integrity of 

historic property landscapes.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-5 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Objective CUL-10(I): Focus cultural and natural history interpretive and education awareness information 

at on-site field locations or an appropriate viewing distance with less emphasis on multiple indoor public 

facilities.

Objective CUL-12(I): Recognize the importance of preserving historic ranching and farming buildings 

and structures in the Monument.

Visual Resources

• Action VRM-1(I): Complete visual contrast ratings for all proposed surface or visually impacting 

projects to ensure they meet VRM class objectives.

• Action VRM-4(I): Limit exterior lighting of BLM administrative facilities to the minimum necessary 

for safety and security. Use lighting types and shields that minimize light pollution.

• Action VRM-5(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings and ensure that all projects meet VRM Class 1 

requirements.

• Action VRM-6(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings on all projects. Ensure that all proposed projects 

meet VRM Class II objectives. 

• Action VRM-8(I): Conduct visual contrast ratings on all projects. Ensure that all proposed projects 

meet VRM Class III objectives. 

Wilderness Study Areas and Other Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

• Action WLD-5(I): Routes located within areas to be managed for wilderness characteristics will be 

used for administrative purposes only when non-motorized access is not feasible for specific projects 

(such as repairs that require heavy tools and materials). A minimum requirements analysis will be 

used to determine if use of mechanized equipment is appropriate. Closed routes will be rehabilitated 

or converted into non-mechanized trails.

Livestock Grazing

• Action GRZ-2(I): Apply the relevant Secretary-approved Central California Rangeland Health 

Guidelines for Grazing Management as implementation is described in the Record of Decision of 

1999 to grazing authorizations on all areas.

• Action GRZ-7(I): Apply the relevant Grazing Management Guidelines for the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument (see the Conservation Target Table, Attachment 5) to all grazing authorizations. 

Recreation and Interpretation

• Action REC-5(I): Provide adequate and timely maintenance of all facilities and signs.

• Action REC-6(I): Develop a comprehensive communication program to provide information on 

Monument recreation opportunities:

− Incorporate a variety of media including the internet, printed materials, and on-site signing and 

kiosks.

− Incorporate visitor safety and user ethics messages.

− Incorporate timely seasonal information such as road conditions, hunting information, and 

wildflower viewing updates. 
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-6 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

− Work with regional visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and other gateway community 

outreach groups to incorporate accurate Monument information into their programs (including 

safety and responsible use messages).

− Action REC-7(I): Develop a driving/riding interpretive tour through the Monument.

• Action REC-11(I): Develop an education and outreach program that targets motorized recreational 

visitors to increase resource protection and responsible use, and reduce the incidence of illegal offroad travel. 

• Action REC-12(I): Coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies 

with management authority over the Carrizo Plain National Monument airspace to establish 

parameters for commercial touring flights over the Monument and to discourage commercial low 

flying aircraft. Specific restrictions and stipulations would be considered for minimum altitudes and 

numbers of flights to preserve the outstanding opportunities for solitude and isolation and to protect 

sensitive wildlife resources. 

• Action REC-13(I): In coordination with the FAA, set the minimum acceptable altitude for aircraft to 

2,000ft without authorization from BLM for the purposes of scientific research, education, or special 

event. All aircraft are prohibited from landing within the Monument without specific authorization 

from BLM. These limitations and restrictions do not affect emergency flights and landings.

• Allowable Use REC-1(P): Aerial sports, including but not limited to: hanging gliding, skydiving, 

paragliding, parachuting gliders and hobby aircraft, shall be managed as a discretionary action 

through the Special Recreation Permit process. Any person wishing to partake in an aerial sport 

within the Carrizo Plain National Monument will need specific authorization from BLM.

Objective REC-14(I): Provide universal access to new facilities and retrofit existing facilities to comply 

with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recreation program objectives for each management 

zone. Retrofitting will also incorporate other applicable requirements such as those for historic structures.

Objective REC-18(I): Provide a comprehensive natural and cultural resource interpretive program that 

tells the story of the Monument and its significance. 

• Action REC-18(I): Develop a comprehensive natural and cultural interpretive plan for the Monument 

that identifies core themes, appropriate media, key audiences, priority facility needs (including 

potential additional visitor center space), and other components.

• Action REC-21(I): Interpretive information for overlooks and other features would not be provided

within this zone, and users would be expected to practice a level of self-sufficiency commensurate 

with wilderness access. 

• Action REC-22(I): Provide minimal signing within the interior of this zone only when needed for 

resource protection or visitor safety. Emphasis would be placed on off-site information. 

• Action REC-23(I): Provide amenities at designated dispersed camping areas for resource protection 

and to encourage use in areas that are already impacted. Facilities would retain a rustic character.

• Action REC-24(I): Provide rustic informational signage on roads, trails, at trailheads, and at other 

facilities. 

• Action REC-29(I): Provide guided tours of Painted Rock and El Saucito Ranch to offer the visitor an 

opportunity to appreciate the range of cultural history in the CPNM.

• Action REC-31(I): Provide directional and informational signage along roads and at 

recreational/interpretive facilities to help minimize the impact on resources and to provide for visitor 

safety.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-7 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Administrative Facilities 

• Action ADM-4(I): Maintain the facilities at the MU Ranch for employees and research housing.

Objective ADM-2(I): Use “green” building techniques that minimize use of natural resources and energy 

and minimize the need for commercial power and utility corridors related to Monument administrative 

sites. 

Travel Management

• Action TRV-1(I): Develop a comprehensive travel information program that includes road/trail 

signing, brochures, web information, and other appropriate media to inform visitors of conditions, 

vehicle limitations, rules, regulations, and other safety concerns.

• Action TRV-2(I): Roads would be subject to temporary closure during wet periods and after washouts 

to minimize road damage, reduce resource impacts, and for public safety reasons. These closures

would typically be short-term (closures would be implemented under the emergency closure authority 

of 43 CFR 8340) but would be in place until conditions improve or repairs are completed. 

• Action TRV-3(I): Develop a road maintenance plan that identifies and determines maintenance 

techniques or reconstruction opportunities to protect cultural and biological resource sites. 

• Action TRV-4(I): Identify and close unneeded or redundant travelways as identified on Map 4-2. 

• Action TRV-5(I): Upon acquisition of private land inholdings, access roads to these parcels would be 

evaluated for inclusion in the transportation network or closure based on the following criteria:

− Are they compatible with the objectives of the RMP for protection of cultural and natural 

resources?

− Do they provide necessary access for administrative purposes?

− Do they enhance public recreation access or experiences identified for the respective recreation 

management zone? 

Minerals

• Action MNL-2(I): BLM inspection staff will inspect all facilities for environmental compliance on 

federal lands. Shut-in or abandoned wells will be inventoried and evaluated for final plugging and 

restoration prioritization. This inventory and evaluation will be completed within six months of the 

effective date of this RMP. 

Lands and Realty

• Allowable Use LR-7(I): BLM would survey and Monument (place survey markers) the exterior 

boundary of the Monument and any other boundaries within the Monument needed for administrative 

purposes. 

• Action LR-7(I): Acquire lands by donation, compensation, exchange, or purchase. Lands will be 

acquired based on availability, biological or cultural values, development threats, and management 

needs.

• Action LR-8(I): Identify target inholdings. Encourage sale or transference of target properties through 

a variety of methods and incentives.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-8 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action LR-9(I): Primary focus would be to acquire property that supports important cultural resources 

or habitat for and populations of species that are poorly represented on public lands such as sphinx 

moth and California jewelflower.

• Action LR-10(I): Secondary focus would include properties with important ecological characteristics 

(for example, Soda Lake and its playa system) that are potential core areas for the San Joaquin suite 

of rare species (giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, bull-nosed leopard lizard, San Joaquin 

antelope squirrel), or that support other important CPNM species (spadefoot toad, fairy shrimp, 

mountain plover, rare plants).

• Action LR-11(I): Target inholdings that are important in maintaining the linkage between the CPNM 

and the San Joaquin Valley.

• Action LR-12(I): Target inholdings that may have management needs or risk of development or 

occupancy.

• Action LR-13(I): Develop and maintain a GIS database showing the location of target resources to 

facilitate acquisition efforts.

• Action LR-14(I): Work with existing communication site right-of-way holders to find alternative offMonument locations for facilities once their current leases expire.

Research Management

Objective RM-1(I): Authorize and encourage on-Monument research in the following order of priority:

1. Research that has direct implications for improving management and protection of objects of the 

Monument Proclamation as identified as objectives in the RMP and the Conservation Target 

Table (Attachment 5).

2. Research that furthers scientific understanding of Monument resources.

3. Research that has scientific value, but may have only indirect benefits for understanding or 

management of Monument resources.

• Action RM-1(I): Identify research priorities and update or revise annually or on an as-needed basis. 

• Action RM-2(I): Working through organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and universities, 

allow outside review by scientific experts, as needed, to provide recommendations on study design or 

effectiveness in meeting management goals.

• Action RM-3(I): Focus research efforts on projects or studies whose topics are useful in formulating 

management actions and promote conservation, with special emphasis on listed or sensitive species 

and their habitats and significant cultural resources.

• Action RM-4(I): Develop a strategy for prioritizing multiple research proposals.

• Action RM-5(I): Create and adopt a research code of ethics in cooperation with the managing partners 

and other professionals.

• Action RM-6(I): Maintain the Conservation Target Table (Attachment 5) to determine management 

prescriptions of biological resources. Encourage and assist researchers in developing studies to 

answer questions relating to the resource targets and how management actions affect them. Update 

the table as knowledge is gained.

Objective RM-2(I): Provide a framework that encourages and facilitates quality research in areas of 

biologic, paleontological, geologic, and cultural resources.
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-9 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Action RM-7(I): Provide support, such as housing, within the Monument for researchers when 

available. Investigate other housing opportunities such as acquiring used mobile units or working 

with neighboring communities to identify available housing in the private sector.

• Action RM-8(I): Provide existing GIS, weather, and vegetation mapping data or other data as 

available, to researchers.

• Action RM-9(I): Work with species experts, members of academia, and other professionals to 

encourage research involvement. Encourage research projects that will aid in maintaining stable and 

increasing populations of threatened and endangered species, investigating topics identified in 

recovery plans.

• Action RM-10(I): Consider other outreach methods including sponsoring research symposia to inform 

the scientific and professional communities of research opportunities within the Monument.

• Action RM-11(I): Coordinate with partners and the scientific community to assess opportunities for 

establishing an on-Monument research facility.

• Action RM-12(I): Work with local schools, organizations and groups, and local communities to enlist 

citizen-scientists or other volunteers to assist with monitoring and research or field activities.

Objective RM-3(I): Data gathered through research, inventories, and monitoring will be made available to 

the scientific community and the public to the greatest extent possible. This will exclude proprietary 

information such as cultural and paleontological resource data.

• Action RM-13(I): Use state-of-the-art equipment and technology consistent with BLM standards for 

accurate data collection, retrieval, and storage, and for the benefit of information-sharing with the 

public, educational institutions, and other governmental agencies.

• Action RM-14(I): Create a local information archive system of CPNM-generated research, inventory, 

and survey data for easy retrieval and use by the scientific community, other agencies, partner 

organizations, and others, to be maintained in conjunction with the Carrizo Library (excluding 

cultural resources, Native American, or other proprietary information).

• Action RM-15(I): Manage data consistent with CPNM, BLM, and National Landscape Conservation 

System (NLCS) policies such as the Department of the Interior’s Adaptive Management Technical 

Guide (USDI 2007) and the NLCS Science Strategy’s science goals and objectives (BLM 2007).

• Action RM-16(I): Maintain a list of past and current research, inventory, and survey data on the 

CPNM website for use by the public.

• Action RM-17(I): Maintain current aerial photography imagery of the CPNM, digital GIS layers of 

resources and infrastructure, and utilize other technologies as changes occur and staffing and funding 

is available.

• Action RM-18(I): Develop an educational component to data sharing in conjunction with the 

Goodwin Education Center and the Friends of the Carrizo to provide outreach to schools and the 

public.

• Action RM-19(I): Increase the Monument’s capacity to collect relevant weather data across the 

landscape in varying habitats.

Objective RM-4(I): Evaluate and process proposals in a timely manner while ensuring that projects meet 

Monument research objectives and protect sensitive resource values. 

• Action RM-20(I): All research projects will undergo an evaluation and approval process which will 

include: 
Attachment 2: IMPLEMENTATION DECISIONS

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-2-10 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

− An assessment of its priority level (see Research Priority objective).

− An appropriate level of environmental analysis (NEPA) by BLM staff.

− Incorporating project-specific stipulations.

− A final written determination, which will be in the form of an authorization, a request for changes 

to the proposal for resubmission, or denial of the project. (Cultural research and paleontological 

proposals must meet permit standards and receive approval from the State Office and Field Office 

to proceed in the field or they must be authorized through a volunteer or cooperative partnership 

meeting BLM’s Cultural Resources Manual 8100 and permit standards). 

• Action RM-21(I): Proposals determined to require further evaluation will be submitted to 

knowledgeable members of the scientific community. These experts will review proposals for 

scientific merit, how best to incorporate findings into management actions, and to propose additional 

research needs.

• Action RM-22(I): BLM will coordinate with the Monument’s Native American Advisory Committee 

and tribal and other Native Americans before approving research for cultural resources.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 3

Standard Operating Procedures and 

Implementation Guidelines for 

Projects Affecting the Biological 

Environment
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 3

Standard Operating Procedures and Implementation Guidelines for 

Projects Affecting the Biological Environment

Species Reintroduction

• Priorities for species reintroduction would be determined by developing a list of regionally and 

locally extirpated species. Probability of a successful reintroduction, based on habitat suitability and 

environmental conditions, would be considered when establishing priorities for species 

reintroductions.

• Develop a reintroduction strategy in cooperation with managing partners and other experts, including 

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as appropriate. Strategies should be designed to detail 

population objectives being sought, minimize the possible changes in genetic composition of native 

species inhabiting the Monument, address contingencies should a population start to impact another 

species or plant community in adverse and unpredicted ways, and outline monitoring strategies 

necessary to evaluate success of the reintroduction.

• Explore options for increasing herd size and distribution of native ungulates within the limits of 

natural carrying capacity.

• Work with the Condor Recovery Team to implement recovery actions for California condor recovery.

Restoration

• Initiate studies to further our understanding of soil-vegetation relationships and historical distributions 

of plant communities to help plan restoration efforts.

• Establish test restoration plots throughout the Monument to determine the most promising techniques 

for reintroducing native species, the biotic and abiotic factors that influence community composition, 

and the effects of restoration efforts on native and sensitive species.

• Match local genotypes, as close as practical, when choosing seeds and other materials for habitat 

restoration. Allow limited development of greenhouses and/or small nursery plots for the production 

of propagation materials. Encourage native seed and plant growers to develop Carrizo Plain plant 

materials for use in restoration activities. 

• Adjust grazing prescriptions or eliminate grazing altogether from reintroduction sites, to protect 

populations of vulnerable sensitive species (if necessary).

• Identify opportunities for restoration by mapping roads and fuel breaks to be abandoned, previously 

cultivated fields, overgrazed areas, and other areas where the vegetation community has been 

degraded or destroyed or where natural revegetation rates are not satisfactory.

• Adjust grazing prescriptions or eliminate grazing following restoration treatments, if necessary to 

protect populations of vulnerable species and/or facilitate establishment of newly planted sites.

Surface Disturbance

• Vegetation removal and surface disturbance would be minimized. Surface rehabilitation measures 

would be applied when needed to protect the soil surface. Hand clearing would be emphasized over 

heavy equipment.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• When applicable, soil crusts would be removed prior to construction and redeposited at the 

completion of the project.

• Authorizations for new surface-disturbing activities would encourage the use of existing disturbed 

areas, avoiding impacts to listed species and minimizing impacts to significant cultural and 

paleontological resources, riparian communities, and sensitive species. Natural drainage patterns 

would be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Large draws and drainages with saltbush would 

be avoided as much as possible.

• Soil-disturbing activities would be avoided during periods of runoff, or when soils are wet and 

muddy, in order to minimize damage.

• Upon completion of construction of a project, unused roads and work sites would be restored where 

appropriate and signs or barriers could be installed to prevent continued travel on construction roads.

• Roads and well pads in areas of extremely unstable bedrock formations and active landslides would 

be precluded or would require special design criteria. Civil engineering studies or geotechnical 

studies would be required to determine feasibility prior to road and drill pad construction.

• All surface-disturbing activities would be designed to minimize wind and water erosion. Consistency 

with state air pollution laws would be maintained.

• Work area boundaries would be delineated with flagging, temporary fencing, or other marking to 

minimize surface disturbance associated with vehicle straying. Alternately, sensitive resources would 

be flagged for avoidance.

Species and Habitat Surveys

• Surveys for sensitive resources would be done prior to any activities that have potential to affect 

natural communities and sensitive species. Sensitive resource locations encountered during surveys 

would be marked for avoidance. Disturbance to San Joaquin kit fox dens, giant kangaroo rat burrows, 

San Joaquin antelope squirrel burrows, and burrows used by blunt-nosed leopard lizards would be 

avoided to the greatest extent possible. Disturbance to occupied burrowing owl burrows would be 

avoided to the greatest extent possible. Areas supporting the longhorn fairy shrimp or other sensitive 

aquatic species would be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Personnel familiar with the sensitive 

resource could be required to be present during construction activities. Should additional species 

become listed in the future, habitat features associated with these species would also be avoided as 

much as possible.

• Surveys should be conducted at the appropriate time of year to detect sensitive species. At the 

discretion of BLM, existing information, in lieu of a site specific survey, could be used to determine 

project impacts and mitigation.

• If it has been longer than 30 days between the last biological survey and the proposed start of 

construction, BLM biologists may require additional surveys for sensitive species. Surveys would be 

conducted by qualified personnel familiar with the target species

Vehicle and Aircraft Use

• Off-road vehicle travel must be specifically authorized for a given project. Off-road vehicle travel 

would be discouraged and limited to the minimum necessary. Off-road vehicle routes would be 

selected to minimize damage to burrows, dens, sensitive plant habitat, and shrubs.

• Vehicle speed limits would be limited to the minimum reasonable speed to reduce potential for road 

kills.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• No aircraft will be operated in a manner that could disturb wildlife within the Monument, unless in 

the performance of official duties or authorized by BLM.

• Coordinate with appropriate federal agencies to restrict low altitude flights over the Monument to 

protect sensitive resources.

Work Site Requirements

• Pets would not be permitted on a project site during project activities, unless confined or leashed.

• All trash would be disposed of in closed containers and regularly removed from the project site to an 

approved disposal facility.

• All persons involved in project construction work would be informed of listed species in the project 

area and specific measures that must be taken to avoid impacts to these species. Participants would be 

required to sign a document acknowledging their understanding of these protective measures.

Resource Protection

• Apply Livestock Management Guidelines as necessary to meet or exceed the rangeland health 

standard for species. 

• New fence construction would be minimized to avoid impacts to pronghorn. Fences in pronghorn 

habitat areas would be modified to meet BLM standards for pronghorn passage.

• New development within 1/4 mile of springs, guzzlers, or riparian areas would be avoided whenever 

possible. This restriction is intended to minimize wildlife disturbance at key water locations and to 

limit impacts to sensitive watersheds. Activities that could be allowable in these areas include spring 

developments, water pipelines, fences, and project maintenance and repair. Power lines, roads, and 

other linear developments could be allowed, with suitable mitigation, to cross riparian areas where 

there are no viable alternatives.

• Riparian areas should be fenced or otherwise protected to prevent degradation. Water diversions 

would divert the minimum necessary amount. Float valves or other devices would be installed to 

control diversion amounts. Water for livestock use would be piped at least 1⁄4 mile from the riparian 

zone. If possible, livestock waters would be kept on year-round for use by wildlife.

• Exploration, construction, and development activities would have seasonal restrictions imposed 

within a 1⁄2-mile radius around raptor nest sites. Seasonal restrictions would allow for undisturbed 

courtship, nest building, incubation, and fledging. This seasonal restriction could last as long as six 

months, depending upon species. Restrictions could be imposed around high use areas during other 

seasons.

• New wells and power lines would not be developed within 100 yards of ridge lines to minimize 

potential impacts to condors.

• Artificial perches will be minimized and eliminated where practicable in grassland and shrubland 

habitats.

• Authorizations for surface-disturbing activities near sensitive plants would require avoidance of those 

plants, or restrictions for all or a portion of the time period from germination to seed dispersal. 

Inventories for sensitive plant species would be conducted in order to identify areas to avoid. Topsoil 

and topography would be restored when the project is completed.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-4

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Extant populations of sensitive plant species would be avoided to the greatest extent practicable. 

Sensitive plants in the vicinity of planned activities will be temporarily fenced or prominently flagged 

to prevent inadvertent encroachment by vehicles and equipment during the activity.

• If extant populations of sensitive plants cannot be avoided, surface disturbance would be scheduled 

after seed set and prior to germination. Collection of seed, with reseeding undertaken at the site 

following the activity, during seasonal time-frames, and when weather conditions are favorable for 

germination and growth, may also be required. If deemed appropriate, topsoil would be stockpiled 

and replaced or translocated as soon as practicable after project completion.

• Timing of activities would be planned to minimize impacts to sensitive resources to the extent 

practical. The following are examples of actions that could be taken:

− If burrows used by blunt-nosed leopard lizards could be collapsed, the activity would be planned 

for when blunt-nosed leopard lizards are active and outside their burrows.

− If nesting birds could be impacted, the activity would commence after the nesting season.

− If habitat of sensitive annual plant species is involved, activity would be planned for after seed 

set.

• Actions would be minimized during evening hours when some listed species are active and 

vulnerable to vehicle or equipment induced injury or mortality.

• Projects that involve trenching should generally be scheduled during blunt-nosed leopard lizard 

inactive periods (Oct - Mar) to reduce pitfall mortality, or should require several trench inspections 

per day. Escape ramps would be provided in all trenches, pits, and water troughs. Trenches and pits 

could also be covered with plywood or similar material, and would be inspected regularly to remove 

entrapped animals. A final inspection of each trench and pit would be made before backfilling.

• Vehicle speed will not exceed 20 miles per hour on BLM-administered roads in endangered species 

habitats. BLM would request vehicle speeds on county roads be reduced in appropriate areas with 

high wildlife populations or vehicle strikes to avoid future collisions with wildlife.

• Pipe ends, culverts, and similar structures with a diameter of at least three inches would be thoroughly 

inspected for entrapped animals before being moved, capped, or buried. Any animals found inside 

would be allowed to escape before the pipe or culvert is moved, capped, or buried. During 

construction, all partially installed pipe ends, culverts, and similar structures would remain covered 

unless closely attended by a monitor.

• Disturbance to San Joaquin kit fox dens, giant kangaroo rat burrows, San Joaquin antelope squirrel 

burrows, burrowing owl burrows, badger dens, and burrows used by blunt-nosed leopard lizards 

would be avoided to the greatest extent practicable. Personnel familiar with the sensitive resource 

would be required to be present during construction activities. The following buffers will be 

established:

− 50 feet – active giant kangaroo rat precincts, San Joaquin antelope squirrel burrows, badger dens, 

and burrows used by blunt-nosed leopard lizards

− 100 feet – known, occupied, and potential non-natal kit fox dens; occupied burrowing owl 

burrows outside the breeding season

− 200 feet – unoccupied natal kit fox dens, occupied burrowing owl burrows during the breeding 

season

• If impacts to active giant kangaroo rat precincts cannot be avoided, the animals would be trapped no 

greater than seven days prior to ground disturbance for five consecutive nights. On the day following 
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-5

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

the fifth trap night, burrows would be carefully excavated. Depending on the nature of the project, 

captured animals would be held and released after construction is complete or released into 

unoccupied but suitable habitat. Artificial burrow systems could be installed in the release area, if 

necessary.

• In areas where blunt-nosed leopard lizards have been observed or are expected to occur, burrows 

likely to harbor blunt-nosed leopard lizards would be carefully excavated. Excavation would occur no 

more than seven days prior to construction. If a blunt-nosed leopard lizard is encountered during these 

excavations it would be allowed to escape unharmed. If eggs are found in the burrows, the USFWS 

would be contacted for further guidance.

• Disturbance to or destruction of San Joaquin kit fox dens should be minimized to the maximum 

extent practicable between January 1 and April 30 to reduce disruption of kit fox breeding activities.

• If destruction to a San Joaquin kit fox den is unavoidable, the USFWS and California Department of 

Fish and Game (CDFG) would be notified. Destruction of known or suspected natal or pupping dens 

would be avoided during the breeding season (November 1 to July 31). Destruction of natal or 

pupping dens known to be occupied would not be permitted until the den has been vacated. 

• Prior to the destruction of any known San Joaquin kit fox den, the den would be monitored for at least 

three consecutive days to determine its current status. Activity would be monitored by placing 

tracking medium at the entrance(s) and by spotlighting. If no activity is observed during this period, 

the den would be destroyed immediately to preclude subsequent use. If kit fox activity is observed at 

the den during this period, the den would be monitored for five consecutive days from the time of 

observation to allow any resident animal to move to another den during normal activities. Use of the 

den would be discouraged by partially plugging the entrance(s) with soil in such a manner that any 

resident animal can escape easily. Destruction of the den would begin when the animal has moved to 

a different den. If the animal is still present after five or more consecutive days of plugging and 

monitoring, the den could be excavated. Excavation of the den would be conducted when it is 

temporarily vacant, for example during the animals' normal foraging activities. Destruction of the den 

would be accomplished by careful excavation until it is certain that there are no kit foxes inside. The 

den would be fully excavated and then filled with dirt and compacted to ensure that kit foxes cannot 

reenter or use the den during the construction period. If a kit fox is discovered inside the den, the 

excavation activity would cease and the animal would be allowed to escape.

• Any person handling listed species must have a permit issued by the CDFG and/or the USFWS. All 

persons monitoring listed species or monitoring in the vicinity of listed species would be advised of 

the need to reduce surface disturbance and harassment to the maximum extent possible.

• These guidelines could be revised or updated if the USFWS or the CDFG issue new or revised 

species survey or protection guidelines.

Hazardous Materials

• All spills of hazardous materials within endangered species habitats shall be cleaned up immediately.

• All oil spills would be contained closest to the source as possible.

Third-Party Authorizations (see also Minerals SOPs)

• A worker or participant education program would be required for all third party authorizations. The 

education program would include identification of sensitive species and their habitats, project or 

event mitigation measures and stipulations, reporting requirements, and penalties for failure of 

compliance.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-6

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• If biological issues have been identified for a project, a biological monitor could be required to 

minimize project impacts. The biological monitor would be responsible for field crews to be in 

compliance with protection measures, performing surveys in front of crews as needed to locate and 

avoid sensitive species and habitat features, and monitoring project mitigation compliance. Biological 

monitors would be required to be present on site during initial surface disturbing actions.

• Geophysical exploration will use small (for example, tractor-mounted or ATV/UTV pulled) or 

heliportable shot hole drills on BLM lands within the Monument rather than vibroseis rigs to generate 

source points. Vibroseis may be used on existing roads with BLM approval. 

• In addition to avoidance and mitigation measures, compensation would be required for third party 

authorizations for activities that are unrelated to the management of the Monument. Compensation 

offsets the unavoidable effects of project impacts to resources. Protection of additional habitat outside 

the immediate project area is a common compensation measure. Compensation will be located within 

the Monument boundary. A standard ratio between the acres impacted and acres to be protected is 

established. The following compensation ratios have been established for San Joaquin Valley species:

− Temporary habitat disturbance 1.1 to 1

− Permanent habitat disturbance 3 to 1.

− Vernal pools 5 to 1.

− Seasonally filled natural depressions 1.1 to 1 (temporary) or 3 to 1 (permanent).

− Compensation would not be required for manmade depressions.

• Any new compensation ratios established by the USFWS or CDFG would be used.

• In addition to the compensation requirement, a replacement component would be required for third 

party authorizations that disturb habitat on public lands. The replacement component consists of 

replacing the acres disturbed at a ratio of 1:1. It is necessary to both compensate and replace the 

disturbed lands to avoid a net loss in the area of habitat conserved in the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument. Without the provision of replacing conserved habitat in addition to compensating for the 

disturbance, the Monument could potentially lose acres of habitat that had been previously protected.

• BLM will work with utility companies to configure or modify power lines to eliminate raptor 

electrocutions to the greatest extent practicable.

Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard Requirements

• Avoid burrows that may be used by blunt-nosed leopard lizards.

• Locations of activities with potential to collapse or block burrows (such as sleeper placement; 

stockpile, storage, and parking areas; trenching) will be approved by the biological monitor.

• The biological monitor may allow certain activities in burrow areas if, in the judgment of the 

biological monitor, the combination of soil hardness and activity impact is not expected to collapse 

burrows. Activities authorized by the biological monitor in burrow areas will be documented and 

included in any report.

• Roadway sections where blunt-nosed leopard lizards have been observed or are likely to occur should 

be clearly marked to prevent workers from driving off the road and over burrows. Barriers, such as 

fencing, may also be installed.

• A brief description of measures taken to avoid burrow collapse will be included in any report, 

including the post-construction report.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-7

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• In addition, for project activities that occur during the blunt-nosed leopard lizard active season 

(approximately April 15 to October 15), the following will apply:

− BLM will be notified that blunt-nosed leopard lizard active season measures are being 

implemented.

− When possible, conduct project activities at night or during blunt-nosed leopard lizard inactivity 

periods (generally when temperatures are below 77 °F and above 99 °F).

− All personnel will be advised to reduce speeds on sections of the access/egress route with 

potential to support blunt-nosed leopard lizards. 

− All vehicle operators will check under vehicles and equipment prior to operation.

− Any trenches or pits will be inspected by the biological monitor in the morning, late afternoon, at 

the end of the work day, and prior to backfilling to free any blunt-nosed leopard lizards that may 

become entrapped. Trenches or holes should have at least one escape ramp for each 1,000 feet of 

open trench. Escape ramps should be earthen and at a slope no steeper than 1:1.

− A flashing barrier may be installed around the work area to prevent blunt-nosed leopard lizards 

from entering the work area. The flashing barrier will be constructed of 18-inch or wider flashing, 

buried 6-inches in depth, and reinforced with rebar or fence posts. Silt fencing will be used to 

isolate areas inside the exclusion fence. If a blunt-nosed leopard lizard is subsequently found 

within the fenced area, the fence will be removed (in that area) and the lizard will be allowed to 

leave the exclusion zone. Surveys will continue until blunt-nosed leopard lizards are no longer 

observed inside the flashing barrier (that is, no evidence for one to two weeks dependent upon the 

discretion of the biologist). Barrier installation may occur prior to emergence of blunt-nosed 

leopard lizards providing that no burrows are destroyed. Avoid burrows during barrier 

construction. Surveys will occur when temperatures are sufficient for leopard lizards to be above 

ground. The flashing barrier will remain in place until drilling and sump closure activities have 

been completed. 

• Burrows that cannot be avoided may be destroyed under the following circumstances:

− If a blunt-nosed leopard lizard is observed exiting a burrow, the burrow may be immediately 

destroyed. The burrow should be carefully excavated under the supervision of a qualified 

biologist to verify that is it unoccupied and immediately destroyed.

− Burrows inside a flashing barrier may be destroyed after the survey and monitoring requirements 

described above for flashing barriers has been met. Burrows should be carefully excavated under 

the supervision of a qualified biologist to verify that is it unoccupied and then destroyed.

− If any burrows are destroyed, the following information will be included in the post construction 

compliance report: the dimensions of the area impacted by burrow destruction/excavation; 

number of burrows destroyed/excavated; results of burrow excavation, including any 

observations of wildlife in excavated burrows; and any other information deemed useful by the 

consulting biologist.

• The biological monitor shall check the project area and access route daily during the blunt-nosed 

leopard lizard active season to determine the presence or absence of lizards in the work area. If bluntnosed leopard lizards are observed in the project area or along the access route, the biological monitor 

will take action to avoid impacts to lizards.

• If a blunt-nosed leopard lizard is observed at the project site or along the access/egress route, the 

biological monitor will notify BLM of the actions being undertaken. Initial notification may be by 

phone message. Written documentation, including GPS coordinates of lizard observations, will be 
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-8

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

included in any reports. The post-construction report will include a map showing the location, date, 

and time of any blunt-nosed leopard lizard observations.

• Roadway sections where blunt-nosed leopard lizards have been observed should be clearly marked to 

prevent workers from driving off the road into blunt-nosed leopard lizard habitat or over burrows. 

Barriers, such as fencing may also be installed.

• The biological monitor must be on site during appropriate temperatures for blunt-nosed leopard lizard 

activity. The biological monitor will escort all traffic through any area where blunt-nosed leopard 

lizards have been observed. Biological monitors will complete daily compliance reports. Daily 

compliance reports will be summarized and included in the weekly report sent to BLM.

• Large vehicles (such as tankers, water trucks, drilling rigs) must be escorted to and from the work site 

by a biological monitor during appropriate temperatures for blunt-nosed leopard lizard activity.

• The biological monitor will provide BLM with a brief weekly report describing any actions taken to 

avoid blunt-nosed leopard lizard impacts. This report may be submitted by email to BLM.

• All reports must be submitted by the biological monitor conducting the work in the field or be 

reviewed by the field biological monitor. Alternately, the original report prepared by the field 

biological monitor may be attached to the report.

• Upon determination by the biological monitor that temperature patterns at the project site no longer 

support blunt-nosed leopard lizard activity for the season and receipt of BLM concurrence, these 

active season measures may be discontinued.

• If blunt-nosed leopard lizards have been observed in the project area or along the access route, and 

operations and maintenance activities will continue into the next blunt-nosed leopard lizard active 

season, an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan will be submitted to BLM. The O&M Plan will 

outline the practices and mitigation measures that will be implemented to avoid impacts to bluntnosed leopard lizards for O&M activities.

Giant Kangaroo Rat Requirements

− Avoid active precincts by a buffer of 50 feet. Actions within the buffer zone will be limited to 

vehicle and equipment operation on existing roads. Foot traffic or ATV/UTV cross country travel 

may be authorized if travel routes are designated by a biological monitor to avoid burrows and 

travel will be limited to crushing of herbaceous vegetation with negligible soil disturbance. All 

travel along routes will be conducted under the supervision of a biological monitor. Actions 

within buffer zones will be confined to daylight hours.

− If active precincts cannot be avoided, the area will be trapped no greater than seven days prior to 

ground-disturbing activities for five consecutive nights. On the day following the fifth trap night, 

burrows will be carefully excavated. Captured animals will be marked and may be released into 

enclosed artificial burrow systems outside the work area the following night. All work will be 

supervised by a USFWS-qualified biologist. At anytime during the year, the USFWS and BLM 

may adjust or decide to discontinue the capture and release program.

Adaptive Management

• Develop and conduct monitoring throughout the Monument to evaluate the efficacy of the 

management activities in maintaining and enhancing native species and natural communities.

• Use monitoring data, field observations, or other information to evaluate and, if needed, modify 

management practices.
Attachment 3: SOPS & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES – PROJECTS AFFECTING THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-3-9

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Invasive and Non-Native Species

• Coordinate with managing partners and local county weed districts for the control and eradication of 

exotic species.

• Educate the public about the need to control invasive species.

• Determine location and extent of populations of exotic species and implement a prioritized control 

strategy.

• Aggressively control specific exotic species considered to be a threat to biotic communities.

• Keep a current mapping of all noxious weed infestations on the Monument.

• Commit to long-term monitoring and treatment of problematic infestations such as yellow star-thistle.

• Use an integrated pest management approach in the control of invasive species, including biological, 

mechanical, chemical, and other accepted control methods.

• Develop a weed control strategy designed to minimize herbicide use and the impact on non-target 

species.

• Provide appropriate safety equipment for herbicide applications and ensure that applicators have had

proper safety training.

• Evaluate and minimize impacts to cultural resources when planning and implementing weed control 

measures.

• Evaluate the threats from and the value of non-native tree species and eradicate when appropriate. 

Consider historic, recreational, and wildlife value of trees when evaluating potential control measures.

• Encourage livestock operators, research teams, fire crews, equestrians, and other authorized users and 

Monument visitors to employ management practices that minimize the spread of weeds (such as 

cleaning equipment prior to entering the monument). Incorporate best practice requirements into 

stipulations for use authorizations. Promote or require the use of certified weed-free hay and feed on 

the Monument.

• If necessary to meet the mission and vision, consider control of exotic animal species such as red fox, 

wild pig, rock doves, and starlings

• If necessary to protect populations of rare native species, implement control measures to minimize 

negative impacts from native animal species such as coyotes, ravens, and cowbirds.

• Prohibit the release of non-native animal species other than those introduced specifically for the 

purpose of biological control of specific noxious weeds, or those released during legal hunts as 

regulated by CDFG. If individuals of non-native animal species are discovered (other than biological 

control agents), eradicate them before the species becomes established.

• Prohibit the placement of non-native apiaries on the Monument.

Adaptive Management

• Develop and conduct monitoring throughout the Monument to evaluate the efficacy of the 

management activities in maintaining and enhancing native species and natural communities.

• Use monitoring data, field observations, or other information to evaluate and, if needed, modify 

management practices.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

 

Attachment 4

Minerals

Standard Operating Procedures / 

Best Management Practices /

Implementation Guidelines and 

Conditions of Approval
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-4-1

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan 

Attachment 4

Minerals Standard Operating Procedures / 

Best Management Practices /

Implementation Guidelines and Conditions of Approval

The following are examples of standard operating procedures (SOPs), best management practices 

(BMPs), implementation guidelines, and conditions of approval that will be employed on all existing 

federal leases and private mineral developments, subject to the limits of BLM authority and the right of 

the owners/lessees to have reasonable access and development. This is not intended to be a 

comprehensive list of all measures that could or will be applied to existing and new oil and gas 

operations, and the wording may be modified to address site-specific circumstances. 

Implementation Guidelines

• All oilfield activities that occur on land where BLM has an interest, whether mineral or surface estate, 

will be conducted with the least impact practicable to sensitive resources, while still permitting those 

activities that are legally allowed. 

• Wells that are not commercially developed will be reclaimed to natural contours and revegetated as 

soon as appropriate; that is, restoration methods will consider timing of planting, acceptable species 

and evaluation criteria, and will be tailored to area-specific resource conditions and be compatible 

with the monument proclamation. 

• Applications for Permit to Drill (APDs), Sundry Notices (leasehold activities requiring surface 

disturbance), and Final Abandonment Notices will be reviewed using the existing NEPA approval 

process, including timely posting on the web at: 

http://www.blm.gov/ca/forms/nepa/search.php?fo=Bakersfield. 

• Timely plugging and abandonment of depleted wells will be required. This includes plugging the well 

bore with cement, removing all materials and equipment, and recontouring/revegetation as specified 

in the conditions of approval. 

• Design roads, well pads, and facilities to impact and fragment the least acreage practicable. New 

facilities will be designed to maintain natural drainage and runoff patterns, reduce visual impacts, and 

reduce hazards to wildlife, especially California condors. Encourage operators to modify existing 

facilities when necessary to achieve the above objectives, and consider providing BLM funds to assist 

if requiring modifications is beyond BLM’s authority on existing leases. Impacts associated with 

noncommercial wells will be restored as soon as appropriate using BLM restoration methods.

• Only geophysical activities that do not result in damage to the objects of the Proclamation will be 

authorized. Such activities will include walking out and/or the use of helicopters to deploy geophone 

lines. On a case by case basis, ATVs could be used to deploy geophone lines. Other activities will

include limiting all source points (vibroseis and shot holes) to existing roads. On a case by case basis, 

drilling of shot holes using heliportable or small portable drills for underground detonation will be 

allowed off-road. After the data gathering phase, resource specialists will evaluate impacts and 

recommend remediation when appropriate.

• Good housekeeping requirements will be enforced (that is, operators will be required to maintain a 

neat and orderly appearance of sites, remove junk and trash, and otherwise minimize landscape 

intrusions).
Attachment 4: MINERALS SOPS / BMPS / IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-4-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

• Sufficiently impervious secondary containment, such as containment dikes, containment walls, and 

drip pans, must be constructed and maintained around all qualifying petroleum facilities, including 

tank batteries and separation and treating areas consistent with the Environmental Protection 

Agency’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure regulation (40 CFR 112). 

• Chemical containers must not be stored on bare ground, exposed to the sun and moisture. Labels must 

be readable. Chemicals containers must be maintained in good condition and placed within secondary 

containment in case of a spill or high velocity puncture.

• Pipelines will be placed within existing disturbed rights-of-way, such as road shoulders, whenever 

feasible.

• Roads will be designed to an appropriate standard no higher than necessary to accommodate their 

intended functions.

• New wells and roads will be located in areas where cut and fill will be minimized to the extent 

practicable.

• Operators will be encouraged/required to place multiple wells on a single pad where feasible in order 

to minimize unnecessary disturbance.

• Operators will be required to maintain clean well locations and to remove trash, junk, and other 

materials not in current use. 

• After extracting small amounts of mineral materials (typically dirt or sand and gravel) for 

emergency/administrative purposes, equipment operators will be required to blend the excavated area 

back in with the surrounding area. Small amounts of minerals can be collected by individuals from 

Soda Lake with prior permission obtained from BLM. These individuals will be restricted to use of 

hand tools to dig through the saline crust into the underlying black mud that contains the crystals.

• Other BMPs that may be applied to operations at the CPNM can be found on the web at: 

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/oil_and_gas/best_management_practices.html 

Conditions of Approval

The following describes recognized engineering practices for the routine operation of oil and gas 

exploration and development activities, known as conditions of approval. These standard procedures are 

described in the Federal Onshore Orders and further clarified in the Code of Federal Regulations (43 

CFR).

Standard regulations could be supplemented with additional conditions of approval. The additional 

conditions of approval address sensitive issues within the Bakersfield Field Office. Critical issues 

underlying the federal regulations and supplemental conditions of approval are the protection of usable 

aquifers, mineral zones including hydrocarbons, surface environmental issues, site safety and well 

control, and site reclamation.

Bureau inspection and monitoring of oil field activity will occur in the following phases of oil and gas 

development:

a. Geophysical/seismic

b. Drilling a new well

c. Temporary abandonment of a producing well (idle well)

d. Plugging and abandonment of a well

e. Surface reclamation
Attachment 4: MINERALS SOPS / BMPS / IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-4-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

No special conditions of approval are normally added for routine producing operations. The following 

describes the conditions of approval applicable to each of the oil and gas development phases on existing 

federal oil and gas leases recognized as valid existing rights within the Monument.

Drilling a New Well

After an APD has been received by the Bakersfield Field Office, a review of engineering design as well 

as potential effects to sensitive resources will be undertaken. During the review stage of an oil and gas 

project, either the operator or BLM will note special conditions on the application. When necessary, 

modified proposals will be developed cooperatively with the applicant to ensure that the modified project 

still meets the applicant's objective. Any special conditions will be attached to the APD by BLM and the 

applicant will be informed within seven days of receipt of the APD if there are deficiencies that need to 

be corrected. In addition to Bureau-wide regulations, the BLM Bakersfield Field Office has developed its 

own local procedures. These could include, but are not limited to:

Steam Injectors. All steam injection wells within a 300-foot radius of a new location must be shut-in a 

minimum of three days prior to the spudding of a new well.

Conductor Pipe. A minimum of 50 feet of conductor pipe is to be set and cemented to the surface. The 

conductor pipe must be equivalent to or exceed the properties of A-25 grade line pipe.

Diverter. Prior to spud, a diverter system will be installed on the conductor pipe and function tested. The 

test will be recorded in the drilling log. The diverter system, at a minimum, will consist of an annular type 

preventer (minimum working pressure 1,000 psi), two inch (2”) (minimum internal diameter—ID) kill 

lines, and six inch (6”) (minimum ID) diverter lines with no internal restrictions or turns. A full opening, 

hydraulically controlled valve will be installed in the diverter line which will automatically open when the 

annular preventer is closed. The accumulator system will have sufficient capacity to close the annular 

preventer and open the hydraulically-controlled valve.

Remote controls for the diverter system will be located on the rig floor and readily accessible to the 

driller. Remote controls will be capable of closing the annular preventer and opening the hydraulically 

controlled valve. Master controls will be located at the accumulator and will be capable of closing and 

opening the annular preventer and opening the hydraulically controlled valve. The diverter system will be 

function-tested daily and the test recorded in the drilling log.

General Casing and Cementing. A Subsequent Report (Form 3160-5) detailing the size, weight, and 

grade of the casing; the amount and type of cement, including additives; and a copy of the service 

company's materials ticket and job log will be submitted to BLM within five (5) business days following 

the cementing of the casing string. Each casing string (except conductor pipe) shall be pressure tested, 

prior to drilling out the casing shoe, to 0.22 psi/ft of casing string length or 1,000 psi, whichever is 

greater, but not to exceed 70% of the internal yield pressure of the casing. The casing pressure test will be 

recorded in the drilling log. The wait-on-cement time for each casing string must be adequate to achieve a 

minimum of 500 psi compressive strength at the casing shoe prior to drilling out.

Drilling Fluids. Sufficient quantities of drilling fluid (mud and water) must be maintained at the well site, 

at all times, for the purpose of controlling steam kicks.
Attachment 4: MINERALS SOPS / BMPS / IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-4-4

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Temporary Abandonment of a Producing Well (Idle Well)

Oil and gas exploration and development is a cyclical business, with periods of high and low levels of 

activities. On occasion, an operator may decide to temporarily shut-in producing wells and wait for 

conditions to improve. The highly viscous nature of most Kern County crude oil, typical low well head 

pressures, and the relatively low corrosive properties of the fluids (low-sulfur crude) make the known 

dangers of shutting in a well for long periods and then bringing it back on-line less of a mechanical 

problem here in the Field Office Area than in other producing regions of the country. By approximately 

1990, a large number of wells were remaining idle for longer and longer periods. Monitoring and 

correction of the problem has been successfully undertaken by the California Division of Oil, Gas, and 

Geothermal Resources and the local BLM Field Office. The following additional conditions may be 

required prior to the temporary abandonment of a producing oil/gas well, service well, or an injection 

well.

Zone Isolation. The requirement to isolate the producing interval (General Requirement #4) is waived. 

This waiver is based on the information submitted with the application and the geologic data in Volume II 

- California Oil and Gas Fields, (field name) which indicates the absence of usable water aquifers above 

the producing horizon in (section in which well is located).

Mechanical Integrity of Casing. The mechanical integrity of the casing may be determined using the 

ADA pressure test method.

Fluid Surveys. A fluid level survey will be performed at six (6) month intervals during the period the 

well is temporarily abandoned. A copy of the survey shall be submitted to BLM within five (5) business 

days of the survey.

Monitoring of Wellhead Pressures and Temperatures. Wellhead pressure and temperature will be 

continuously monitored throughout the period the well is temporarily abandoned. Any pressure / 

temperature change will be promptly reported to BLM.

Isolation of the Producing Interval. The producing interval will be isolated by setting a plug in the 

casing within 100 feet above the producing interval if a rising fluid level, an increasing wellhead pressure, 

or an increasing wellhead temperature is detected. The plug could be either a retrievable or drillable-type 

bridge plug or a cement plug of at least 100 feet in length.

Plugging and Abandonment of a Well

No additional conditions are typically attached to the abandonment of a well in California. Onshore 

Orders describe the plugging procedure. While final abandonment will normally be witnessed by BLM, 

no final above-ground site marker is currently required by the Bakersfield Field Office.

Surface Reclamation

Conditions for the recovery of an oil well site are unique to each area's ecosystem and habitat. The 

following examples of conditions of approval have been developed for use within the Bakersfield Field 

Office Area. The applicability of any or all of these conditions of approval will be determined based on 

site-specific conditions.

General. The operator (or holder) shall prepare a seedbed by: (a) scarifying the disturbed area, (b) 

distributing topsoil uniformly, or (c) disking the topsoil, as directed by the BLM authorized officer (use 

one as appropriate).
Attachment 4: MINERALS SOPS / BMPS / IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-4-5

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The operator will recontour the disturbed area and obliterate all earthwork by removing embankments, 

backfilling excavations, and grading to re-establish the approximate original contours of the land in the 

area of operation.

The operator will uniformly spread topsoil over all unoccupied disturbed area (outside the ditch line, 

fence line, and work area). Spreading will not be done when the ground or topsoil is frozen or wet.

The operator will seed all disturbed area, using an agreed-upon method suitable for the location using 

locally collected seed. Seeding shall be repeated if a satisfactory stand is not obtained as determined by 

the BLM authorized officer upon evaluation after the first growing season.

The operator will arrange to have a biologist available to assist the construction workers in the 

identification and avoidance of endangered species.

Producing Wells. Site reclamation for producing wells will be accomplished for portions of the site not 

required for continued operation of the well. The following measures are typical reclamation 

requirements:

• Reclamation of drilling fluid pit (mud pit)

• Cut and fill slope vegetation

• Site fencing

• Berm removal and site grading

• Polluting substances, contaminated materials moved offsite or buried

Nonproducing Wells. Rehabilitation on the entire site will be required and will commence as soon as 

practical, dependent upon prevailing weather conditions. Cut and fill slopes will be reduced and graded to 

blend to the adjacent terrain.

Drilling fluids held within pits may be allowed to dry. Fluids that will not dry must be removed. All 

polluting substances or contaminated materials such as oil, oil-saturated soils, and gravels must be 

removed to an approved site.

Drainages must be reestablished and temporary measures will be required to prevent erosion to the site 

until vegetation is established.

After final grading and before replacement of topsoil, the entire surface of the site will be scarified to 

eliminate slippage surfaces and to promote root penetration. Topsoil will then be spread over the site to 

achieve an approximate uniform, stable thickness consistent with the established contours.

Permanent Well Abandonment. The surface management agency is responsible for establishing and 

approving methods for surface rehabilitation and determining when this rehabilitation has been 

satisfactorily accomplished. At this point, a Subsequent (Final) Report of Abandonment will be approved.
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 5

Conservation Target Table
C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-5-1

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 5

Conservation Target Table

Background

Several resource management programs (Biology (wildlife and vegetation), Livestock Grazing, and Fire

& Fuels Management) make reference to a “Conservation Target Table” to describe specific aspects of 

management program implementation. This table, a work in progress, has been developed by the 

managing partners as an integral part of an adaptive management approach to guide implementation of 

objectives in this RMP for protection and benefit of the natural communities and “featured species” 

(listed species, large native ungulates, and plant or animal species receiving management emphasis). The 

current table is not complete but will continue to be developed. More species of plants and animals (plant 

communities, vertebrate and invertebrate animals) will be added and prioritized. The objectives listed in 

the table are derived from and fully support the objectives described in this RMP. Specifically, the table 

identifies important ecological factors that influence the health, abundance, and distributions of the 

natural communities and featured species. This is accomplished by identifying: (1) the important habitat 

or population parameters that influence the target communities or species, (2) the specific habitat or 

population indicators or variables to be monitored, (3) the measurable attributes for these variables, (4) 

the values of these variables that will trigger management actions, and (5) the recommended management 

actions or prescriptions that may influence habitat suitability or population demographics needed to 

maintain the target’s health, abundance, and distribution goals. 

The elements in the table are developed using the best available information obtained from a variety of 

sources including published literature, unpublished reports, monitoring data from within the Monument 

and other similar habitats, other locations with the range of the featured species, and professional 

experience/opinion among staff with direct experience in the Monument.

Use of the Table in Implementing RMP Management Objectives

The Conservation Target Table is the foundation of the adaptive management strategy to be implemented 

in the Monument. The monitoring of the management actions and their effects to the conservation targets 

will occur in the following manner:

• The conservation targets (vegetation communities, plant and animal featured species populations, 

demographics and distributions) will be monitored.

• The variables for the management objectives will be gauged in relation to the desired values of 

the variable.

• Recommended management actions and constraints to actions (ranging from the hands-off 

treatments to the application of one or more tools) would be evaluated by monitoring the 

management objective variables in relation to the implementation of the actions and constraints. 

• Changes in the management objective variables among the actions and constraints would be 

documented as a possible management effect. 

• As monitoring data are evaluated, the information will be used to determine the success of the 

management actions and constraints in meeting the specific conservation target objectives and the 

overall management goals. 

• The evaluations and new knowledge about the conservation targets and the management effects 

would be used to inform future management actions and decisions.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-5-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The Conservation Target Table will also be used to describe where or under what conditions in the 

Monument these RMP management objectives are relevant, where the indicator variables will be 

monitored, and where the actions and constraints will be applied. Initially, BLM will continue to use the 

commonly known pasture names and boundaries to identify the basic units for management, which 

originated with historic ownership or usage. As needs for species are identified and management actions 

are defined, the use of pasture boundaries may shift to more accurately delineate the biological 

management units that reflect ecological parameters. Until then, a management table using pasture names 

has been developed to inform managers where the Conservation Targets are currently relevant based on 

presence or absence within a pasture. Additionally, the “Pasture Management Table” will be concurrently 

used as a way for managers to determine the general grazing management actions or constraints. This 

management table will be evolving with the knowledge of the Conservation Targets, the changing pasture 

boundaries, and grazing use on the Monument.

Incorporating Changes into the Conservation Target Table

The Conservation target table and associated pasture management table are considered to be “works in 

progress” and will be updated as needed using adaptive management principles outlined in “Adaptive 

Management US Department of Interior Technical Guide” and authorized under Secretarial Order 3270. 

The elements of the tables will be subject to ongoing review by the managing partners (BLM, TNC, and 

CDFG), the scientific community, species experts, the Carrizo Plain National Monument Advisory 

Committee, the USFWS, and the public. Changes would be made to the management guidelines (actions 

and constraints) or the desired values for the indicator variables as new knowledge is gained about the 

natural communities, the species, the ecological relationships, and management effects. This knowledge 

would be applied to ongoing and future management objectives and decisions, thus “adapting” the 

management of the Monument to use the best available information about the natural communities, 

featured species, and objects to be protected in the Monument.

Information or events that may trigger a change include new literature, study results, more complete 

information, monitoring results, new species, new impacts, new locations, changes in law or policy, or 

input from species experts. The managing partners will review the Conservation Target Table annually to 

determine if changes are appropriate. Information or events may trigger more frequent reviews. The 

managing partners may solicit input from species or topic experts. Through consensus, the managing 

partners may make changes to the Conservation Target Table based on the review. The modified 

Conservation Target Table will be submitted to the BLM authorized officer for approval. The change 

would be implemented as soon as any intermediate steps have been completed, such as NEPA analysis, 

publication of Federal Register Notices, or consultation with SHPO or FWS. The current Conservation 

Target Table will be available to the public at the BLM website.

To address increasing concern over climate change and the possible effects to the Monument’s resources, 

BLM will rely on the Conservation Target Table and adaptive management to guide its actions in a way 

that continues protection while detecting change. BLM and the managing partners recognize that there are 

likely to be future changes associated with climate change that will alter conditions for resources on the 

Monument. We also realize that to better understand the consequences of these changes will require using 

the best information and models available combined with good baseline data and effective monitoring. 

Through the process of adaptive management, we will be in a position to perceive differences linked to 

climate change and respond accordingly.

Changes in the management guidelines (actions and constraints) or the desired values for the indicator 

variables in the Conservation Target Table would normally not require an amendment to this plan, while 

changes to the conservation target management objectives would. Any changes will undergo appropriate 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-5-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

level of technical review and further NEPA analysis would be required if they are outside the scope of 

analysis of this EIS. 

Definitions and Explanation for Understanding the Tables

The first table is a description of management objectives, variables, and base information regarding each 

conservation target. A Conservation Target is a species, population, natural community or other biological 

feature or value we want to conserve within the Monument. There are three sub-tables that are tied to the 

first Management Objective table. The sub-tables describe the Management Guidelines, or proposed 

actions and constraints for each of our major tools; livestock grazing, prescribed fire, and other restoration 

tools. The first five columns of the Management Objective tables are copied into each of the sub-tables to 

make each sub-table easier to use alone. Empty cells or rows within the tables will be completed as 

information becomes available.

The rows of each table are organized by conservation target. Each conservation target is further divided 

by a management objective identified for a specific parameter for that target. Each of these rows is 

assigned a unique numerical identifier. A single target is given a number. Each management objective for 

that target reflects the target’s number and an alphabetical sub unit. The conservation targets are further 

grouped into plants and animals. The conservation target order parallels the order in Section II.B, 

Management Decisions. 

The information in each row is focused and true to that specific parameter for the target. The values or 

actions are for that specific parameter alone, and are not combined or compromised with values or 

management for other purposes. In this way we can track the exact purpose for each of our actions, what 

parameter we are managing for and what priority or importance it has when we have to combine 

management actions later.

The Conservation Target Table is designed to be used in conjunction with the Approved RMP, Chapter II. 

The Conservation Target Table is not a stand-alone document. When an objective or action in Chapter II, 

Approved RMP refers to the Conservation Target Table, the table should be consulted for detailed 

information. 

Definitions of each of the 12 columns of the Management Objective table:

Conservation Target: A conservation target is a species, population, natural community or other 

biological feature or value we want to conserve within the Monument.

Management Objective: Management objectives for the target’s habitat and populations. 

PRIMARY = Focus management on these objectives, but this doesn't preclude managing for a 

secondary objective. This variable may have a high influence on target health. Management can 

affect target health by affecting these variables. SECONDARY = This parameter is not as 

important for affecting target health. We may not be able to either adequately measure or affect 

this variable.

Variable: The variable that we measure or monitor to assess if we are meeting our management 

objective.

Desired Value of the Variable: The specific value of the variable (may be a minimum or 

maximum or a range of values) within which we feel we can meet our target management 

objectives. If the value we measure is outside the range, it indicates that the objective is not being 

met and management action may be needed.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-5-4

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Time of year the variable should be measured: As stated.

Management Assumptions/ Notes: This column lists our current knowledge and assumptions of a 

target or its management. It holds background information and information we want to test or 

further investigate. 

Current Monitoring of the Variable Value: Who is currently monitoring this variable and how.

Factors Affecting Management Objectives and Variables: This column holds known or suspected 

factors that can influence the target’s health or the variables we are measuring.

Status of knowledge – throughout range (high, med, low): This is a description of what we think 

the status of knowledge about the target and associated parameters are throughout its range.

Status of knowledge – Carrizo (high med, low): This is a description of what we think the status 

of knowledge about the target and associated parameters are within the CPNM environment.

Potentially relevant citations: These are a listing of potentially relevant literature citations 

regarding the target and its management parameters. Not all citations have been thoroughly 

reviewed for applicability.

Suggested experts to contact: This is a list of experts that have knowledge regarding the target. It 

is a list of sources to help us with issues that arise beyond our knowledge.

Existing distributions for targets and habitats are based upon current recorded information from such 

sources as CNDDB, local agency inventories and observations, CDFG species monitoring and 

inventories, and others. 

The three sub-tables – which are Management Guidelines for Grazing, Management Guidelines for 

Prescribed Fire, and Management Guidelines for Other Restoration Tools – provide guidance when using 

a particular tool to meet an objective. The sub-tables represent possible treatment options and one is not 

automatically applied over the other. The first five columns of the Management Objective tables are 

copied into each of the sub-tables to make each sub-table easier to use alone. 

Column definitions of the 2 columns within the Management Guidelines tables:

Actions and constraints on the actions: This is a description of the prescription. It is the 

recommended action to take for that specific target management objective. It also describes 

constraints to the action (especially if action is taken for another management objective).

Actions to test and evaluate: These are actions we want to test and evaluate their effectiveness at 

meeting the management objective. We are currently unsure or have contradictory information 

regarding the effects of the action or constraint.

The actions and constraints listed in these management guidelines tables are pure actions and constraints 

that are true to that specific objective alone. They will be combined, overlapped, and consolidated 

together later depending on the affected resources at the location of needed management. If no action is 

shown in the management guideline column, we have no action to recommend for that resource objective. 

A constraint is just that, it is not a prohibition on the tool entirely, but a restriction on its use. 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

C AR R IZO P L AIN NATIONAL MONUME NT Att-5-5

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

The actions and constraints to the action will be layered and will result in a composite action in order to 

meet the management objectives for any given location within the CPNM. Conflicts between 

management actions in the same location will be resolved by the managing partners depending on the 

priority of the target or the location of the action. 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-7

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Carrizo Plain National Monument: Conservation Target Table

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

Native plant species 

9a Caulanthus

Maintain 

distribution and 

size of existing 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Distribution 

and 

population 

size; 

reproducing 

populations

>= current 

levels

January - 

May

Grazing is 

detrimental; positive 

(?) relationship 

between GKR and 

Caulanthus

 

Grazing; 

invasive 

plant species

 

9b Caulanthus

Restore 

populations to 

areas of known 

historical range

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

Success 

(establishment and 

reproduction) 

of restored 

populations in 

historical 

range

Selfsustaining 

populations 

in introduced 

range

January - 

May 

Reintroduced 

populations will 

succeed in historical 

range

 

Grazing; 

invasive 

plant species

 

19 wooly 

threads

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO -2, BIO-14

Presence/abs

ence in known 

or appropriate 

locations

>= current 

distribution 

and 

condition 

across 

landscape 

relative to 

year's 

precipitation 

Feb-Apr

Managed grazing 

not detrimental to 

populations, plants 

relatively 

widespread and 

vigorous on CPNM.

 

Competition 

from 

invasives, 

habitat 

degradation.

Medium - 

recent 

surveys by 

R. Lewis, 

etc.

high - 1993 

& other 

surveys by 

R. Lewis

Mazer 

and Hendrickson 

1993, 

Taylor 

1987, 

Taylor 

and Buck 

1993, 

Williams 

et al. 

1998

 

20a Lepidium 

jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in 

most years, 

large seed 

production 

occasionally 

(as in 2008)

Apr-May 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-8Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

20b Lepidium 

jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population 

size 

in most 

years, some 

presence in 

known 

habitat, 

occasional 

large 

displays (as 

in 2008)

Mar-May 

32a

Amsinckia 

vernicosa 

var. furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in 

most years, 

large seed 

production 

occasionally

Mar-May 

32b

Amsinckia 

vernicosa 

var. furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population 

size 

in most 

years, some 

presence in 

known 

habitat, 

occasional 

large 

displays 

Mar-May 

33a

Acantho-

mintha 

obovata 

ssp. cordata 

(clay 

species)

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in 

most years, 

large seed 

production 

occasionally

Apr-Jul 

33b

Acantho-

mintha 

obovata 

ssp. cordata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population 

size 

in most 

years, some 

presence in 

known 

habitat, 

occasional 

large 

displays (like 

in 2008)

Apr-Jul 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-9

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

22 Clay 

species

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

Presence/abs

ence in known 

or appropriate 

locations

>= current 

distribution 

and 

condition 

across 

landscape 

relative to 

year's 

precipitation 

Mar-Jun

Species restricted to 

clay soils present as 

linear outcrop along 

west side of 

Calientes.

 

habitat 

degradation 

by OHV, 

livestock, 

weeds.

Low - few 

or no 

studies, R. 

Lewis 

CPNM 

surveys 

only

R. Lewis 

1992 ANOV 

surveys 

 

31 vernal pools TBD

2a1

a. Bunch 

grasses 

(Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

a. Seed 

production

[presence of 

inflorescences 

(sexual) or 

new genets 

(asexual)]

Presence of 

inflorescence

s in > 50% of 

population

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(FebruaryMay)

Need to identify 

sites where we want 

to maintain/enhance 

bunchgrasses; e.g. 

cultivated areas? 

(Might be too difficult 

to restore); 50% 

threshold is currently 

a hypothesis; may 

vary annually; also 

depends on the 

relative contribution 

of seeds and 

seedlings to 

population growth 

rates (e.g., 

sensitivity analysis 

needed). Need to 

determine the value 

of the variable.

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

invasive 

plant species

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-10

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2a2

a. Bunch 

grasses 

(Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters) 

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

b. Recruitment 

of new 

individuals 

and Retention 

of existing. 

Measure 

through cover 

and 

frequency.

Recruitment 

and survival 

of new 

individuals.M

aintain or 

enhance the 

average 

frequency of 

Poa secunda 

and Nassella 

spp. 

seedlings at 

more than 20 

per plot 

during a five 

year period. 

Initiate active 

restoration 

when the 

average 

frequency of 

Poa secunda 

and Nassella 

spp. 

seedlings is 

≤ 10 

seedlings 

per 

plot.Frequen

cy plot = 

large "interplot areas" 

February 

for 

seedlings; 

late spring 

(May/June) 

for new 

juveniles 

and adults

Currently don't know 

necessary recruitment rates 

to sustain populations. 

Determine if livestock 

grazing can be used to 

create germination 

microsites & seedling 

establishment opportunities. 

During our study, Poa 

secunda frequency was 

higher in plots not subject to 

grazing in annual 

grasslands & in soil type 7. 

Poa frequency was higher 

in plots subject to grazing in 

USSSS, & in soil types 3 & 

8. During our study, 

Nassella spp. frequency 

decreased as cattle density 

increased in valley & foothill 

grassland & subshrub scrub 

communities with soil types 

7 & 8, but increased in soil 

type 3.It has been assumed 

that bunchgrasses are 

limited by direct competition 

with exotic annual grasses 

(EAG), & that properly 

timed grazing/biomass

reduction can decrease 

EAG & increase 

bunchgrass 

cover/abundance. However, 

our study results revealed 

contradictory evidence, 

suggesting that additional 

mechanisms are operating. 

Thus, we plan to establish a 

research program to test 

additional tools, including 

dormant (June-Oct) season 

prescribed burning & 

seeding, that may allow for 

the enhancement of 

bunchgrass populations.

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

invasive 

plant species

In dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems, 

like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is High.

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo; 

Kimball and 

Schiffman 

(2003)).

Christian 

et al. (in 

prep); 

Stromberg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007); 

Kimball 

and 

Schiffman 

(2003); 

Hayes 

and Holl 

(2002); 

Brown 

and Rice 

(2000); 

Dyer and 

Rice 

(1999); 

Hamilton 

et al. 

(1999); 

Olff and 

Ritchie 

(1998); 

Dyer et 

al. 

(1996); 

Menke 

(1992).

Caroline 

Christian; 

Mark 

Stromberg; 

Kevin

Rice; 

Paula 

Schiffman
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-11

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2a3

a. Bunch 

grasses 

(Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain stable 

size structure; 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Cover, basal 

diameter

Maintain 

range of 

sizes. 

FebruaryMay

Requires long-term 

demographic work 

to determine what 

actual stable 

stage/age structure 

is. This would 

require separate 

demographic studies 

for each species.

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

invasive 

plant species

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-12

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2a4

a. Bunch 

grasses 

(Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution of 

bunch grass 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or 

enhance 

population 

boundary 

within 'range 

of natural 

variation' 

(e.g., 

allowing for 

annual 

expansion 

and 

contraction) 

FebruaryMay

Use remote imagery 

as tool to estimate 

changes in 

distributionSee 2a2 

(bunchgrass 

populations)

 

Disturbance 

history (esp. 

tilling); 

drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing; 

invasive 

plant species

In dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems, 

like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is High.

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo; 

Kimball and 

Schiffman 

(2003)).

Christian 

et al. (in 

prep.); 

Stromber

g et al., 

editors 

(2007); 

Kimball 

and 

Schiffman 

(2003); 

Hayes 

and Holl 

(2002); 

Brown 

and Rice 

(2000); 

Dyer and 

Rice 

(1999); 

Hamilton 

et al. 

(1999); 

Olff and 

Ritchie 

(1998); 

Dyer et 

al. 

(1996); 

Menke 

(1992).

Caroline 

Christian; 

Mark 

Stromberg; 

Kevin 

Rice; 

Paula 

Schiffman

2b1

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance 

population patch 

size PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Patch size 

(e.g. %cover 

over larger 

scale)

Maintain or 

enhance 

patch size 

(No value for 

this variable 

yet)

Anytime 

(preferably 

peak 

growth 

period)

c4 grasses? 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

disturbance 

history; 

competition 

from invasive 

plant species

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-13

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2b2

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution 

(No value for 

this variable 

yet)

Anytime 

(peak 

growth 

period)

Use remote imagery 

as tool to estimate 

changes in 

distribution

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

disturbance 

history; 

competition 

from invasive 

plant species

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-14

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2c1 c.Native 

annual flora

Maintain or 

enhance native 

annual species 

richness and 

cover PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Native annual 

species 

richness and 

cover

>= current 

levels.Maintain or 

enhance the 

average 

relative 

cover of 

native 

annual plant 

species at 

more than 

20% and the 

average 

native 

annual plant 

species 

richness at 

more than 5 

during a five 

year period. 

Initiate active 

restoration 

when the 

average 

relative 

cover of 

native 

annual plant 

species is ≤ 

20% and/or 

the average 

native 

annual plant 

species 

richness is ≤ 

3.5 during a 

five year 

period.Plant 

cover and 

richness = 

Daubenmire 

plot.

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: 

JuneOctober

During our study, native 

annual plant species 

richness/cover were 

lower in all plots subject 

to grazing. Under the 

conditions tested, NovMay grazing was not the 

proper tool for 

maintaining or enhancing 

native plant richness or 

cover.It has been 

assumed that native 

annual grasses/forbs are 

limited by direct 

competition with EAG, & 

that properly timed 

grazing can decrease 

EAG & increase native 

richness/cover. Our 

study revealed 

contradictory evidence, 

suggesting that 

additional mechanisms 

are operating. Thus, we 

plan to establish a 

research program to test 

1) additional tools, 

including dormant 

season grazing and 

prescribed burning as 

well as seeding, which 

may allow for the 

enhancement of native 

annual plants, & 2) the 

mechanisms that may be 

acting to limit native 

annual flora. Part of this 

effort will involve testing

the assumption of a link 

between RDM & native 

cover / richness.Does 

RDM have a relationship 

to native species 

richness or cover in the 

spring?

 

Invasive 

plant 

species; 

inappropriate 

grazing; 

drought

In dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems, 

like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is High.

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo)

Christian 

et al. (in 

prep.); 

Kimball 

and 

Schiffman 

(2003); 

Olff and 

Ritchie 

(1998); 

D’Antonio and 

Vitousek 

(1992); 

Stromberg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007)

Caroline 

Christian; 

Paula 

Schiffman; 

Carla 

D’Antonio
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-15

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2c2

c.

Native 

annual flora

Maintain native 

annual seed 

bank PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Seed 

production 

during 

favorable 

years

"Adequate" 

proportion of 

population 

producing 

seeds

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(AprilOctober)

It has been 

assumed that 

grazing before 

native annual forb 

seedset will likely 

reduce the amount 

of seed that makes it 

in to the seedbank. 

We assume that if 

more native forb 

seed makes it in to 

the seed bank its 

cover and richness 

will increase. We 

may need a seed 

bank census to 

evaluate these 

assumptions.

 

Invasive 

plant 

species; 

inappropriate 

grazing; 

drought

In dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems, 

like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is Medium.

Low

Stromberg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007)

Carla 

D’Antonio
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-16

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2c3 c.Native 

annual flora

Reduce 

abundance of 

exotic annual 

grasses and 

forbs 

SECONDARY

(BIO-21)

% cover, 

richness, 

abundance, 

height of 

exotic species

< current 

levels

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: 

JuneOctober

During our study, 

EAG and EAF cover 

was not reduced 

across any plots 

subject to grazing – 

EAG increased in 

soil types 3 and 7, 

and was unchanged 

in type 8. Under 

conditions tested, 

Nov-May grazing 

was not the proper 

tool for reducing 

EAG or EAF. It has 

been assumed that 

properly timed 

grazing reduces 

EAG, and that EAG 

reduces native 

richness/cover 

through direct 

competition. Our 

study revealed that 

Nov-May grazing 

does not reduce 

EAG. Thus, we plan 

to establish a 

research program to 

test 1) additional 

tools, including 

dormant season 

grazing and 

prescribed burning, 

which may reduce 

EAG, and 2) 

mechanisms that 

may be acting to 

limit native 

richness/cover. 

 

Invasive 

plant 

species; 

inappropriate 

grazing; 

drought

in dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems

, like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is High

Low - 

historical 

sites and 

distribution 

generally 

known but 

densities 

unknown 

for most of 

the Carrizo

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo)

Christian 

et al. (in 

prep.); 

Olff and 

Ritchie 

(1998); 

D’Antoni

o and 

Vitousek 

(1992); 

Stromberg et 

al., eds. 

(2007)

Caroline 

Christian; 

Paula 

Schiffman; 

Carla 

D’Antonio
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-17

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2g Grassland 

Community

Maintain matrix 

of bunchgrasses 

and native 

annual plant 

species 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-8)

Composition 

and % cover 

of nonbunchgrass 

plant species.

 

Frequency of 

Poa secunda 

and Nassella 

species 

seedlings; 

relative or 

absolute cover 

of native 

annual plant 

species; 

native annual 

plant species 

richness.

See 2a2 and 

2c1. March-May

Goal is to enhance 

bunchgrass 

populations, while at 

the same time 

preserving or 

enhancing 

populations of native 

forbs and grasses 

(e.g., we don't want 

management of 

native bunchgrasses 

to compromise 

native forbs). It has 

been assumed that 

by reducing EAG we 

can increase native 

cover/richness. Our 

study results 

suggest that grazing 

Nov-May does not 

decrease EAG, 

increase native 

forbs, or increase 

native bunchgrass 

populations overall. 

Therefore, we plan 

to test additional 

tools that may allow 

us to achieve our 

plant community 

goals, including 

dormant season 

(June-Oct) grazing & 

prescribed burning 

and seeding of 

native species. 

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing, 

invasive 

plant species

in dry 

annual 

grasslands 

ecosystems

, like those 

found at the 

Carrizo, the 

status of 

knowledge 

is Low; in 

more mesic 

annual 

grassland 

systems 

statewide, 

the status 

of 

knowledge 

is High

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo; 

Kimball and 

Schiffman 

(2003)

Christian 

et al. (in 

preparati

on); 

Stromberg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007); 

Kimball 

and 

Schiffman 

(2003); 

Hayes 

and Holl 

(2002); 

Brown 

and Rice 

(2000); 

Olff and 

Ritchie 

(1998); 

Dyer and 

Rice 

(1997). 

Caroline 

Christian; 

Mark 

Stromberg; 

Kevin 

Rice; 

Paula 

Schiffman.

2d

d.

Native 

perennial 

herbs & 

bulbs

TBD

(BIO-14) 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-18

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2e1

e.Native 

shrub flora 

(Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra 

spp)

Maintain or 

enhance current 

cover and 

population 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

% cover, areal 

extent

> or = to 

current 

amount

Summer 

active: 

JuneNovember; 

Winter 

active: 

DecemberMay; 

depends on 

species

In appropriate 

habitats, depending 

on landscape setting 

and soils; fire is 

detrimental to some 

shrub species (need 

to look at 

relationship between 

fire interval, fire 

intensity and 

recruitment, 

maintaining 

population; grazing 

during summer is 

detrimental

 

2e2

e.

Native 

shrub flora 

(Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra 

spp)

Recruitment in 

favorable years 

to maintain age 

structure 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Seedling 

survival during 

and following 

recruitment 

years

Recruitment 

and survival 

of new 

individuals; 

range of 

sizes and 

ages

Depends on 

species 

2e3

e. Native 

shrub flora: 

Upper 

Sonoran 

Sub-Shrub 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance the 

areal extent of 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

acres

> or = to 

current 

amount

anytime 

(remote 

sensing)

Grazing reduces the 

cover of scrub/shrub 

species, and 

encourages greater 

grass and forb 

cover. Seeding 

reduces seed 

limitation and 

increases the 

potential areal 

extent of those 

species.

Update vegetation 

maps.

 high medium

Stromberg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007)

Carla 

D'Antonio
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-19Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

2e4

e. Native 

shrub flora: 

Upper 

Sonoran 

Sub-Shrub 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Cover and 

richness of 

native spp. 

> current 

levels 

During our study, 

native plant 

richness/cover were 

lower in subshrub 

scrub plots subject to 

grazing. Under the 

conditions tested, 

Nov-May grazing was 

not the proper tool to 

enhance native 

richness/cover in the 

USSSS understory. 

It has been assumed 

that native annual 

forb cover/richness is 

limited by competition 

with EAG, & that 

properly timed 

grazing can decrease 

EAG & increase 

native cover / 

richness. Our study 

revealed 

contradictory 

evidence, suggesting 

that additional 

mechanisms are 

operating. Thus, we 

plan to establish a 

research program to 

test 1) additional 

tools that may allow 

for the enhancement 

of native 

cover/richness 2) the 

mechanisms that 

may be acting to limit 

native 

cover/richness. 

 low

Medium 

(Christian et 

al. grazing 

analyses for 

1997–2003 

period at 

the Carrizo)

Christian 

et al. (in 

prep.); 

Strom-

berg et 

al., 

editors 

(2007)

Caroline 

Christian; 

Paula 

Schiff-

man; 

Carla 

D’An-

tonio
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-20

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

2e6

e. Native 

shrub flora:

Valley Sink 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8,BIO-14)

Cover and 

richness of 

native spp. 

> current 

levels 

2f1 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14)

reproduction 

(acorn 

production)

cyclical 

production 

(mast years)

fall 

2f2 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

recruitment of 

new 

individuals

presence of 

seedlings/yo

ung trees

any 

2f3 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

understory 

habitat

presence of 

intact soils, 

leaf litter, 

diverse 

humus biota

any 

17a soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

geographic 

extent

increase of 

crust habitat any

Bald areas with high 

species diversity are 

scattered over 

landscape; many 

washes with well 

developed crust 

layer; crust also 

scattered across 

landscape in and 

among vegetation; 

per Roger 

Rosentreter if can 

establish perennial 

grass species, open 

areas in between 

will be colonized by 

crusts.

 

fragmentatio

n by animals 

(livestock, 

humans, 

horses, dogs 

etc) and 

vehicles 

(cars, 

bicycles, 

motorcycles 

etc.); 

deposition 

(getting 

buried) under 

dust/soil 

deposits; 

getting 

crowded out 

by dense 

vegetation

medium - 

much info 

on role, 

threats, 

restoration 

of crust 

available; 

California 

specific info 

lacking

medium - 

some 

distribution 

info known; 

some 

species 

known

 

Roger 

Rosentreter, 

208-373-

3824, 

roger_ro

sentreter

@blm.go

v; Jayne 

Belnap, 

jayne_be

lnap@us

gs.gov 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-21Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

17b soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

diversity

presence of 

a number of 

species: 

bryophytes, 

lichens, 

algae, 

cyano-

bacteria

best during 

wet season 

17c soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

serial stage

mix of late 

and early 

successional 

species

best during 

wet season 

17d soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

physical 

integrity

not broken 

during dry 

season, 

intact

dry season 

12

Noxious 

Weeds 

(Hoary 

Cress, 

Tamarisk, 

Russian 

Knapweed, 

Bull thistle, 

yellow star 

thistle)

Decrease or 

eliminate 

distribution and 

abundance of 

key invaders 

(see list) 

PRIMARY

(BIO-21)

presence; % 

cover, density

presence; <= 

distribution

Varies 

depending 

on species

All species 

unacceptable 

(eradicate), all have 

potential to spread. 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-22

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

34

Annual 

forage on 

Section 15 

allotments

Manage annual 

biomass to 

protect soils from 

accelerated 

erosion and 

replenish soil 

nutrients through 

decomposition.

(BIO-1, BIO-8)

RDM 

RDM at least 

500 lbs/acre 

at beginning 

of the next 

growing 

season.

OctoberNovember

Rangeland Health 

guideline for Cen 

Cal is 200 lbs/ac 

RDM. (0-25% slope)

UC Ag & Nat Res. 

guideline is 300-400 

lbs/ac RDM (0-20% 

slope). Caliente 

RMP guideline is 

500 lbs/ac to allow 

350 lbs/ac RDM (0-

25% slope)

Compliance 

monitoring by 

BLM 

using 

Robel 

pole and 

estimated 

classes 

and also 

a 

modified 

comparative 

yield 

measurement. 

 

Bartolome, 

Heady, 

Holecheck, 

Menke

Native animal species 

3a

Giant 

Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance current 

populations in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

GKR density 

(active) (over 

large scale)

Maintain at 

least 20 

individuals 

per hectare 

in core areas 

or in mosaic 

pattern in 

landscape 

(20 

individuals 

indicate 

treatment 

action 

needed in 

core area)

AugustSept

Need for 

demographic plots 

across landscape 

(grids with marked 

individuals); track 

populations, 

demographics, and 

habitat variables

 

Drought; 

accumulation 

of excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

little, too 

much)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-23Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

3b

Giant 

Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY (BIO-3, BIO

-4)

Distribution of 

active GKR

Maintain at 

least 20 

individuals 

per hectare 

in core areas 

or in mosaic 

pattern in 

landscape 

(20 

individuals 

indicate 

treatment 

action 

needed in 

core area)

August-

Sept 

Drought; 

accumulation 

of excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

little, too 

much)

 

3c

Giant 

Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure 

in core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM

RDM < 1600 

lbs/acre (dry 

mass) and 

GKR (>20 

individuals / 

hectare). 

fall, Oct-

Nov

a. Non-linear 

relationship between 

biomass and GKR 

(hypothesis is that 

there is optimal 

range); vs. b) GKR 

modify own 

environment by 

reducing biomass; 

Assuming that 

biomass is important 

variable at time 

when GKR is 

clipping and clearing 

precincts; measures 

other than or in 

addition to RDM 

such as predator 

and prey bases may 

also be appropriate.

 

Drought; 

accumulation 

of excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

little, too 

much)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-24Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

3d

Giant 

Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime

GKR decline in 

areas with shrub 

cover >30%; 

Heerman's 

correlated with 

shrub cover >30%

 

Drought; 

accumulation 

of excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

little, too 

much)

 

3e

Giant 

Kangaroo 

Rat

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow 

populations, 

distribution, 

and habitat 

structure to 

fluctuate 

naturally 

within non-

core areas of 

CMS, TR, 

PHEP, CPC, 

and CPN 

subregions.

Take action 

to prevent 

disappearan

ce from the 

Monument 

when 

variables in 

core areas 

continue to 

decline 

despite 

actions 

already 

taken in core 

areas.

Same as 

GKR core 

timing

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. See 

also Management 

Guidelines to test 

actions proposed in 

core areas.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-25

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

4a

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

herbaceous 

structure in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO- 3)

Biomass 

(herbaceous 

layer only)

<500 

optimal; 

<1000 ok

Spring -

Late April - 

Mid-May 

(post 

annual dryup; after 

peak 

production)

Need to incorporate 

patch size 

component (e.g. 

what is minimum 

patch size of 'open 

area'?)

 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 

Germano, 

Juarez, 

4b

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain or 

enhance 

population in 

core areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3)

Presence/abs

ence

One or more 

individual 

observed on 

single visit in 

favorable 

conditions; 

several seen 

on repeated 

visits 

May and 

June

CDFG - 17 day 

census; other 

sampling intervals 

used (Saslaw et al. , 

6 days)

 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 

CDFG 

2004 

survey

 

4c

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

areas with 

unsuitable 

number/density 

of open/ 

available 

burrows in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 

(burrow 

availability)

Inadequate 

number/dens

ity of 

open/availabl

e burrows 

AND <5-20% 

shrub cover

Anytime

Thermoregulation; 

habitat structure; 

prey base; When 

burrows are 

unavailable, shrub 

cover is more 

important.

 

Inadequate 

number/dens

ity of open / 

available 

burrows AND 

<5-20% 

shrub cover. 

Adequate 

burrow 

availability 

directly 

correlated 

with 

adequate 

kangaroo rat 

population.

 

4d

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime

Thermoregulation; 

habitat structure; 

prey base; Negative 

correlation between 

BNLL and shrub 

cover > 30%.

 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-26

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

4e

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain burrows 

in core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Burrow 

density and 

distribution

Common 

and 

available.

Suitable 

burrows 

present with 

very few 

altered by 

humaninduced 

causes.

Small 

mammal 

burrowing 

activity is 

evident and 

not reduced 

by 

management 

activities. 

Few (<10%) 

disturbed

Adults: 

MayAugust; 

hatchlings: 

July-August

Need burrows to 

escape predators; 

thermoregulation; 

hibernation

 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-27

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

4f

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow 

populations, 

and 

herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate 

naturally 

within noncore areas of 

CMS, PHEP, 

CPC, and 

CFS.

Take action 

to prevent 

disappearan

ce from the 

Monument 

when 

variables in 

core areas 

continue to 

decline 

despite 

actions 

already 

taken in core 

areas.

Same 

timing as in 

BNLL core

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. See 

also Management 

Guidelines to test 

actions proposed in 

core areas.

 

8a Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

populations in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox 

abundance

>= current 

population 

size 

quarterly

If populations 

declining, may need 

to look at fecundity 

and juvenile 

survival. SJKF 

function at larger 

scale than other 

spp. Distribution is 

different than before. 

We need to keep in 

focus to learn more.

 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 

Recovery 

Plan for 

Upland 

Species 

of the 

San 

Joaquin 

Valley, 

CA, 

USFWS

Brian 

Cypher, 

661-837-

5061, 

bcypher

@esrp.or

g 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-28Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

8b Kit Fox

Monitor predator 

abundance in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Predator 

abundance

Below 

"detrimental" 

levels

quarterly Needs to be 

determined 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 

8c Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox 

distribution

>= current 

distribution quarterly

If distribution 

declining, may need 

to look at fecundity 

and juvenile survival

 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 

8d Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover <30% Anytime

Increased shrub 

cover associated 

with increase in fox 

mortality (coyotes)

 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-29

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

8e Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

veg. ht. in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Vegetation 

height

< Kit fox 

eyelevel (< 8 

inches); 

patch size?

Anytime affects prey base, 

predation rates 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 

8f Kit Fox

Maintain prey 

abundance 

(nocturnal 

rodents, other 

small mammals) 

in core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Abundance of 

nocturnal 

mammals 

(jackrabbits, 

cottontails, 

kangaroo rats, 

etc.)

Absence, 

low numbers 

(need to look 

at data to 

determine 

whether 

there are 

thresholds)

quarterly 

Build up of 

excessive 

amounts of 

biomass; 

predation; 

inappropriate 

grazing (too 

much, too 

little); 

fluctuating 

prey base

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-30Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

8g Kit Fox

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow suitable 

habitat 

structure to 

fluctuate 

naturally 

within non-

core areas of 

CMS, PHEP, 

CPC, and SL 

subregions.

Take action 

to prevent 

disappearan

ce from the 

Monument 

when 

variables in 

core areas 

continue to 

decline 

despite 

actions 

already 

taken in core 

areas.

Same 

timing as 

SJKF core 

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. See 

also Management 

Guidelines to test 

actions proposed in 

core areas.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-31Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

10a

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure: 

herbaceous 

biomass in core 

areas. PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM 

<1600 lbs/ 

acre and 

GKR (> 20 

individuals 

per hectare)

Oct-Nov, 

before rains

prefer open 

structure, similar to 

GKR (but SJAS 

don't manipulate 

biomass like GKR). 

Prefer shrubs but 

can occur without 

shrubs. Measures 

other than or in 

addition to RDM 

such as predator 

and prey bases may 

also be appropriate.

 

10b

San Joaquin Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain/ 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Presence of 

individuals

>= existing 

distribution. 

2 or more 

individuals 

on std. 

transect 

used to 

locate core 

areas.

Spring 

through 

Summer

Need to determine 

distribution 

10c

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat 

structure:shrub 

cover in core 

areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-50% Anytime

Populations decline 

with shrub cover > 

50%; assuming a 

reduction in 

grass/forb 

production

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-32Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

10d

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow 

populations, 

suitable 

herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate 

naturally 

within non-

core areas of 

CMS, PHEP,

and CPC 

subregions.

Take action 

to prevent 

disappearan

ce from the 

Monument 

when 

variables in 

core areas 

continue to 

decline 

despite 

actions 

already 

taken in core 

areas.

Same as 

SJAS core 

timing

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. See 

also Management 

Guidelines to test 

actions proposed in 

core areas.

 

30 bats - pallid TBD 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-33

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

18 Burrowing 

owl

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO-4)

nesting pairs 

with 

successfully 

fledged young

>= current 

levels

late MayJuly

Carrizo is one of 

four study sites 

(Carrizo, Lemoore, 

SF Bay Area, 

Imperial Valley); 

represents 

grassland area; 

predation is high in 

Carrizo compared to 

other sites. Assume 

burrow availability 

not limiting factor.

 predation

medium - 

high 

California 

wide study 

mostly 

completed, 

monograph 

being 

prepared by 

D. 

Rosenberg

medium -

high 1997 - 

2003 data 

collected; 

many 

papers / 

reports 

produced; 

comprehensive 

monograph 

in prep 

now; winter 

use pattern 

not known; 

predation 

not 

understood

 

Dan 

Rosenberg, 

Utah 

State 

University, 435-

797-

8167, 

dan.rose

nberg@u

su.edu

11a Fairy 

Shrimp

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/abs

ence in all 

known or 

potential pools

>= current 

frequency of 

occurrence 

across range

Late 

January - 

March

Artemia and Lindahli 

widespread and 

abundant, the 

'abnoxious shrimp'. 

B. lynchi north of 

Monument, but not 

detected on 

Monument yet. B. 

longiantenna on 

north and south end. 

B. campestris at 

Ansin sag pond and 

Soda Lake - only 2 

places found in CA 

although occurs in 

other states. B. 

mackini at Simmler 

Road and Soda 

Lake, and 7-mile 

Road. 

 

modification 

of hydrologic 

regime or 

water 

chemistry

medium - 

distribution 

known, but 

other 

factors not 

known

medium -

good 

distribution 

map of B. 

longiantenna and 

other 

species; but 

water 

chemistry, 

"phenology", 

ecological 

relationship 

unknown; 

B. lynchi 

distribution 

less known, 

could be 

present but 

just not 

detected 

yet.

draft 

vernal 

pool 

recovery 

plan; 

federal 

register 

notices

Mary 

Belk, 

210-224-

7743, 

dbelk@te

xas.net
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-34Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

11b Fairy 

Shrimp

Replace and 

maintain cyst 

bank

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence of 

females with 

mature cysts

Presence of 

females with 

mature cysts

Late 

January - 

March 

If mature cysts 

found on females, 

cyst bank is being 

replaced 

 

females not 

living long 

enough to 

produce 

mature cysts 

to replace 

cyst bank

low -

medium - 

methods 

probably 

developed 

for 

measuring 

cyst output 

but may not 

be practical 

for 

"everyday" 

monitoring 

low - 

medium - 

unknown if 

assumption 

of mature 

cysts = cyst 

bank 

replacemen

t is valid; 

what is 

mature 

cyst? 

 

13a Sphinx 

moth

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4)

Presence / 

absence in all 

known 

locations or 

potential 

habitat

>= current 

distribution

Late 

January - 

mid-

February (adult 

emergence) 

Assume that 

population is being 

maintained 

(including pupa-

bank) if adults 

emerge and 

Camissonia is 

persistent 

throughout the 

reproductive/flight 

season (moth)

 

trampling of 

Camissonia, 

eggs, larva & 

resting 

adults; 

degradation 

or loss of 

Camissonia 

germination 

sites

low - E. 

euturpe 

distribution 

uncertain 

with new 

population 

discoveries; 

if Carrizo 

and 

Cuyama 

pops are E. 

euturpe, 

much more 

widespread 

than 

previously 

thought; 

genetic 

relationship 

to Lassen, 

Atascadero, 

Pinnacles 

and Walker 

Basin pops 

needs to be 

done

medium -

Peter Jump 

has good 

habitat 

"search 

image" for 

within 

Carrizo; 

much of 

likely 

habitat 

surveyed; 

high 

confidence 

of E. 

euterpe by 

Jump and 

others 

using 

traditional 

taxonomic 

methods; 

genetic 

work not 

completed 

yet

 

Peter 

Jump, 

805-933-

9912, 

hpjump

@earthli

nk.net

Ken 

Osborne; 

Paul 

Johnson
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-35

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

13b Sphinx 

moth

Maintain suitable 

habitat

BIO-4, BIO-8)

Sparsely 

vegetated 

washes with 

Camissonia 

campestris

Camissonia 

is common in 

favorable 

years

Late 

January - 

late March 

(plant 

presence) 

Trampling (grazing 

and human use) in 

washes is 

detrimental for host 

plant, adult moths 

and larvae

 

trampling of 

Camissonia; 

degradation 

or loss of 

Camissonia 

germination 

sites

see above see above 

14 Spade-foot 

toad

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/abs

ence of 

tadpoles in all 

known or 

other ponds

Water 

present long 

enough to 

complete life 

cycle

Breeding 

season: 

January - 

April

Livestock use could 

be detrimental if 

hydrology altered 

(e.g. water 

consumption), water 

chemistry effects 

unknown; 

disturbance to 

ponds could be 

detrimental to eggs; 

Little known about 

upland habitat

 

water drying 

up before 

tadpoles can 

transform; 

trampling of 

eggs

medium - 

emergence 

cues not 

understood; 

distribution 

and 

abundance 

not known

medium - 

many 

locations 

known but 

not on GIS 

map yet

draft 

vernal 

pool 

recovery 

plan

Jennifer 

Matos, 

818-677-

2158, 

jennifer.

matos@c

sun.edu

16

Vernal pool 

invertebrates

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and species 

diversity

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/abs

ence in all 

known or 

potential 

locations

water 

present long 

enough to 

complete life 

cycle

Late 

January - 

March

observed in water 

troughs, vernal 

pools, with and 

without tadpoles or 

fairy shrimp; 

observed in 

locations that 

supported fairy 

shrimp earlier the 

same season. 

 

water drying 

up before life 

cycle is 

completed? 

modification 

of hydrologic 

regime or 

water 

chemistry.

low -

California 

wide 

ostracod 

survey 

underway 

by Mark 

Angelos, 

status of 

knowledge 

for other 

species 

unknown

low - 

distribution, 

species and 

relative 

importance 

unknown

 

Mark 

Angelos, 

Natural 

History 

Museum 

of LA, 

310-615-

9797, 

meangel

os@mind

spring.co

m 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-36

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

26 LeConte's 

thrasher

Maintain current 

nesting 

populations

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

Presence of 

LETH in 

suitable 

habitat; 

density of 

breeding 

pairs, active 

nests, # of 

fledglings

Persistence 

of current 

populations; 

suitable 

shrub cover 

for nesting 

structure; 

saltbush or 

ephedra >3’ 

in stands, 

found in 

drainages or 

alluvial fans; 

open/bare 

ground for 

foraging 

away from 

shrubs.

Jan-March

Assume shrub 

objectives cover this 

target? 

 Wildfire. Medium.

Low, habitat 

and annual 

sightings 

documented as 

well as 

some nest 

sites 

known; little 

known 

about 

fledgling 

success 

CDFG 

Bird 

species 

of special 

concern 

2008.

Al 

Schmierer, S. 

Fitton.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-37Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

5a Mountain 

Plover

Maintain at least 

3 of the core 

areas of 50-200 

acres suitable for 

plovers by Sept. 

1 if no suitable habitat available 

in non-core 

areas on the 

Monument.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4, 

BIO-5)

suitable by 

Sept 1 thru 

when they 

leave

low 

vegetation (< 

2 inches 

)and patch 

size 

30 days 

before they 

arrive

Winter use depends 

on very low 

structure, whether 

naturally occurring 

or management-

induced.

3 areas maintained 

are chosen to 

include historical 

use in North, Central 

and Southern areas 

of the Monument. 

Annual

winter 

surveys 

Vegetation 

height 

greater than 

habitat 

structure 

require-

ments.

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 

Medium -

we know 

CPNM 

provides 

habitat free 

of 

pesticides; 

areas that 

have been 

burned, 

grazed by 

sheep and 

livestock in 

the valley 

floors have 

provided 

good 

habitat.

plovers 

prefer lack 

of or very 

low 

vegetation 

height and 

50-200 acre 

patch size

though 

smaller 

areas may 

be used.

 

Sam 

Fitton, 

513-523-

4599, 

sfitton@

woh.rr.co

m Kevin 

Hunting, 

916-324-

9265, 

khunting

@dfg.ca.

gov Fritz 

Knopf
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-38Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

5b Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Shrub cover

< 5%; with 

minimum 

patch size of 

10-200 acres 

October-

November

Plovers avoid areas 

with shrubs 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 

medium -

historical 

habitat sites 

well known; 

birds are 

monitored 

annually 

and 

detections 

included in 

fall raptor 

surveys; 

distribution 

map needs 

to be 

generated; 

annual 

MOPL 

surveys 

need to be 

continued 

Distri-

bution 

and 

Habitat 

Associ-

ations of 

the 

Mountain 

Plover in 

Cali-

fornia. 

Hunting, 

Fitton, 

Edson

Sam 

Fitton, 

513-523-

4599, 

sfitton@

woh.rr.co

m Kevin 

Hunting, 

916-324-

9265, 

khunting

@dfg.ca.

gov Fritz 

Knopf

5c Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

biomass in core 

areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Biomass <500 

lbs/acre 

October-

March

Winter use depends 

on very low 

structure, whether 

naturally occurring 

or management-

induced. Structure 

appears to be the 

more limiting factor, 

unclear about 

biomass

 

Shrub and 

herbaceous 

cover that 

exceeds 

habitat 

structure 

requirements

 

Medium -

areas that 

have been 

burned, 

grazed by 

sheep and 

livestock in 

the valley 

floors have 

provided 

good 

habitat

 

29 condor TBD (BIO-6)

25 sandhill 

crane TBD (BIO

-4) 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-39Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

1a Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for fawning 

PRIMARY.

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Vegetation 

height

15-25 inches 

herbaceous 

veg over 

80% of the 

fawning area 

(areas of 

<15% slope)

March-April

Importance of patch 

size/extent of 

fawning area 

unknown

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing

 

Prong-

horn 

Ecology 

and 

Manage-

ment, 

O’Gara 

and 

Yoakum; 

USGS 

studies

Jim 

Yoakum

1b Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover for 

fawning. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Shrub cover, 

density and 

distribution

patches of 5-

30% cover; 

15-25 inches 

tall, 

Distribution 

of patches?

Anytime

In appropriate 

habitats; currently 

using cover as 

surrogate for density 

and pattern of 

distribution

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing

 

Kindshee 

(blue mt. 

study) 

reports 

5-30%

 

1c Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

forage. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

Forb 

abundance 

and % cover

Maintain or 

exceed 

current cover 

and 

abundance 

of palatable 

forb species

Two 

sampling 

dates: 

March-April; 

August

Forbs important to 

doe fecundity and 

fawn survival; before 

breeding season, 

after fawning

 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing; 

invasive by 

noxious, 

unpalatable 

plant species

 

1d Pronghorn

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

available 

water 

water source 

every two 

miles

year round 

1e Pronghorn

Maintain or 

enhance fawn-

to-doe ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

fawn:doe 

Maintain a 

minimum of 

25 

fawns/100 

does

July

Fawn production 

and survival is key 

to population health; 

will vary annually 

(though not clearly 

linked patterns to 

climatic variation).

 

1f Pronghorn

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

number of 

pronghorn >= 250 January

Need to determine 

carrying capacity 

beyond threshold of 

250

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-40

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

1g Pronghorn

Maintain buckto-doe ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

buck:doe

Maintain a 

minimum of 

25 

bucks/100 

does + 

minimum 

population 

size of 250

January

This management 

ratio defines a 

healthy population; If 

hunting program is 

reinitiated, 

population dynamics 

need to be modeled 

to determine ideal 

ratio. 

 

1h Pronghorn

Promote travel 

across 

landscape

(BIO-16)

Fences

All fences 

modified for 

pronghorn 

passage/unn

ecessary 

fences 

removed 

Anytime

Fences restrict 

movement of both 

individuals and 

herds; tumbleweeds 

pile up along fences 

and further restrict 

movement even if 

modified

Fences 

modified 

or 

remove

d 2-3 

times/yr 

but not 

monitor

ed as to 

their 

success

15a Elk

Maintain and 

expand foraging 

habitat. 

(BIO-17)

Presence of 

elk

Elk use in 

90% of the 

Avena belt

within the 

CFN and 

CPN 

subregions.

November

Elk prefer areas that 

have been ungrazed 

for ___ # of years. 

(based on 2005 & 

2006 observations 

of collared elk that 

were 30/31 days in 

nongrazed and 1/31 

days in grazed 

areas)

 

low 

knowledge 

on diet.

Big book 

of Elk.

McCullough, 

Brashares

15b Elk

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for calving. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17, BIO-8)

Vegetation 

height

>15 inches 

veg over 

80% of the 

calving area 

(within 

appropriate 

area?)

March-April 

Drought; 

inappropriate 

grazing

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION TARGET TABLE 

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-5-41Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Moni-

toring 

of the 

Vari-

able 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Manage-

ment 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Poten-

tially 

relevant 

citations

Sug-

gested 

experts 

to 

contact

15c Elk

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17)

available 

water 

water source 

every two 

miles

year round 

15d Elk

Prevent cow 

displacement 

during calving 

SECONDARY 

(BIO-17)

15e Elk

Maintain or 

enhance calf-to-

cow ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

calf:cow 

Maintain a 

minimum of 

25 

fawns/100 

does

July

Calf production and 

survival is key to 

population health; 

will vary annually 

(though not clearly 

linked patterns to 

climatic variation).

 

15f Elk

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

number of elk

>= 500, 

including 

both sub 

herds.

November

Need to determine 

carrying capacity 

beyond this 

threshold 

 

15g Elk

Maintain bull-to-

cow ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

bull:cow

Maintain a 

minimum of 

25 bulls/100 

cows + 

minimum 

population 

size of 250

November

This management 

ratio defines a 

healthy population; If 

hunting program is 

reinitiated, 

population dynamics 

need to be modeled 

to determine ideal 

ratio. 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-42

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

24a Grasshoppe

r sparrow

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

structure for 

nesting 

PRIMARY. 

(BIO-4, BIO-8, 

BIO-18))

Vegetation 

structure 

Vegetation 

height = 10” 

to 20+”, 

composed of 

annual 

and/or 

perennial 

grasses with 

some 

scattered 

shrubs-w/a 

pref. for 

bunch 

grasses; 

height for 

perching and 

cover but 

open space 

for quick 

movement to 

draw 

predators 

from nest 

(patchiness)

Dec-Jan 

In most years only 

mgmt. necessary 

will be protection of 

habitat. Need to 

develop annual 

monitoring for 

species and habitat.

Plots set 

up for 

monitoring

Drought, 

wildfire. Low. Low.

CDFG 

Bird 

species 

of special 

concern 

2008

A. Jones

24b

Other

grassland 

birds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8, BIO-18) 

27 tricolor 

blackbirds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8) 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-43

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan MANAGEMENT

Management Objectives & Variables

Conservation 

Target

Management 

Target (Plan 

Objective) Variable 

Desired 

Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Management 

assumptions / 

notes (shaded 

indicates research 

priority)

Current 

Monitoring 

of the 

Variable 

Value

Factors 

Affecting 

Management 

Objectives 

and 

Variables

Status of 

knowledge 

- 

throughout 

range 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Status of 

knowledge 

- Carrizo 

(high, 

medium, 

low)

Potentially 

relevant 

citations

Suggested 

experts 

to 

contact

28a

landscape 

scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

habitats

(BIO-8)

diversity of 

habitats 

Prevent disruption of 

whole systems. 

Fence re-alignments 

on ecosystem 

boundaries. Make 

sure landscapeecosystem 

functioning is not 

compromised by 

actions or 

distribution of 

actions. Maintain 

diversity of habitats 

and diversity of 

native species within 

such habitats.

 

28b

landscape 

scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

native spp within 

habitats

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

spp diversity 

within habitats 

29 Long-billed 

curlew TBD

30 Wintering 

raptors

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-18)
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-45

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

Native plant species 

9a Caulanthus

Maintain 

distribution and 

size of existing 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Distribution and 

population size; 

reproducing 

populations

>= current levels January - May

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: No grazing winter and spring in 

known habitat.

SECTION 15: No grazing winter and spring in known 

habitat.

 

9b Caulanthus

Restore 

populations to 

areas of known 

historical range

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

Success 

(establishment and 

reproduction) of 

restored populations 

in historical range

Self-sustaining 

populations in 

introduced range

January - May NA 

19 wooly threads

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO -2, BIO-14

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate locations

>= current distribution 

and condition across 

landscape relative to 

year's precipitation 

Feb-Apr

SECTION 15: 

No specific restrictions if grazing continues to be nondetrimental to populations. 

20a Lepidium jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally (as in 

2008)

Apr-May

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: don’t graze Lepidium habitat

 

20b Lepidium jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays (as in 

2008)

Mar-May

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: don’t graze Lepidium habitat

 

32a

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally 

Mar-May No recommended action to meet this objective.

Evaluate effects of 

grazing, if species is 

within treatment 

area

32b

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays 

Mar-May No recommended action to meet this objective.

Evaluate effects of 

grazing, if species is 

within treatment 

area

33a

Acanthomintha 

obovata ssp. 

cordata (clay 

species)

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally

Apr-Jul No recommended action to meet this objective.

Evaluate effects of 

grazing, if species is 

within treatment 

area
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-46

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

33b

Acanthomintha 

obovata ssp. 

cordata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays (like in 

2008)

Apr-Jul No recommended action to meet this objective.

Evaluate effects of 

grazing, if species is 

within treatment 

area

22 Clay species

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate locations

>= current distribution 

and condition across 

landscape relative to 

year's precipitation 

Mar-Jun

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: No grazing populations of Antirhynum 

ovatum

Evaluate the effects 

of grazing on clay 

species.

31 vernal pools TBD 0 0 0 

2a1

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, Nasella 

cernua, Nasella 

pulchra, Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

a. Seed production

[presence of 

inflorescences 

(sexual) or new 

genets (asexual)]

Presence of 

inflorescences in > 

50% of population

Varies 

depending on 

species 

(FebruaryMay)

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: No grazing before seedset (starting 

Feb for POSE and March for NACE) until seedfall. 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-47

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2a2

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, Nasella 

cernua, Nasella 

pulchra, Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

b. Recruitment of 

new individuals and 

Retention of 

existing. Measure 

through cover and 

frequency.

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals.

Maintain or enhance 

the average frequency 

of Poa secunda and 

Nassella spp. 

seedlings at more 

than 20 per plot 

during a five year 

period. Initiate active 

restoration when the 

average frequency of 

Poa secunda and 

Nassella spp. 

seedlings is ≤ 10 

seedlings per plot.

Frequency plot = large 

"inter-plot areas" 

February for 

seedlings; late 

spring 

(May/June) for 

new juveniles 

and adults

ACTION:

Poa secunda: 

In valley subshrub scrub communities with soil types 

3 and 8, apply grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003). 

Nassella species:

In valley grassland and subshrub scrub communities 

with soil type 3, apply grazing Nov-May (the grazing 

timing used from 1997–2003). 

CONSTRAINT:

Set max. utilization of the current annual year’s 

growth between 25-40% initially, 

considering the timing of grazing and plant phenology, 

the resource condition, and 

the site resiliency.

Poa secunda: 

In valley and foothill grassland communities with soil 

type 7, avoid grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003).

In pastures with POSE and recent cultivation: Avoid 

grazing.

Nassella species:

In valley and foothill grassland and subshrub scrub 

communities with soil types 7 

and 8, avoid grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003).

Set up a study to 

test the mechanisms 

by which POSE and 

NACE increase at 

the CPNM.

2a3

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, Nasella 

cernua, Nasella 

pulchra, Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain stable 

size structure; 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Cover, basal 

diameter

Maintain range of 

sizes. February-May

CONSTRAINT: Prevent grazing in some areas with 

Bluegrass and some areas with Needlegrasses to 

allow maintenance of older/ larger plants. 

Avoid livestock grazing when inflorescences are 

developing and present. (Feb. for bluegrass, March 

for needlegrass).

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-48

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2a4

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, Nasella 

cernua, Nasella 

pulchra, Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution of 

bunch grass 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population boundary

Maintain or enhance 

population boundary 

within 'range of 

natural variation' (e.g. 

allowing for annual 

expansion and 

contraction

February-May

ACTION:

Poa secunda: 

In valley subshrub scrub communities with soil types 

3 and 8, apply grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003).

Nassella species: 

In valley grassland and subshrub scrub communities 

with soil type 3, apply grazing Nov-May (the grazing 

timing used from 1997–2003).

CONSTRAINT:

Set max. utilization of the current annual year’s 

growth between 25-40% initially, 

considering the timing of grazing and plant phenology, 

the resource condition, and 

the site resiliency.

Poa secunda: 

In valley and foothill grassland communities with soil 

type 7, avoid grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003).

In pastures with POSE and recent cultivation: Avoid 

grazing.

Nassella species:

In valley and foothill grassland and subshrub scrub 

communities with soil types 7 

and 8, avoid grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing 

used from 1997–2003).

SECTION 15:

Set max. utilization of the current annual year’s 

growth between 25-40% initially, 

considering the timing of grazing and plant phenology, 

the resource condition, and 

the site resiliency. 

 

2b1

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance 

population patch 

size PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Patch size (e.g. 

%cover over larger 

scale)

Maintain or enhance 

patch size (No value 

for this variable yet)

Anytime 

(preferably 

peak growth 

period)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-49

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2b2

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population boundary

Maintain or enhance 

distribution (No value 

for this variable yet)

Anytime (peak 

growth period) 

2c1

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain or 

enhance native 

annual species 

richness and 

cover PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Native annual 

species richness 

and cover

>= current levels.

Maintain or enhance 

the average relative 

cover of native annual 

plant species at more 

than 20% and the 

average native annual 

plant species richness 

at more than 5 during 

a five year period. 

Initiate active 

restoration when the 

average relative cover 

of native annual plant 

species is ≤ 20% 

and/or the average 

native annual plant 

species richness is ≤ 

3.5 during a five year 

period.

Plant cover and 

richness = 

Daubenmire plot.

Spring-active: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: JuneOctober

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In valley and foothill grassland and 

scrub communities (soil types 3, 7, and 8), avoid 

grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing used from 1997–

2003). 

When livestock grazing is applied to meet another 

target objective, avoid livestock use in spring during 

years and within pastures with exceptional 

expressions* of native annual plants. (* exceptional 

expressions = native annual spp make up 60%-80% 

of the total annual plant spp relative cover)

Evaluate the use of 

livestock to reduce 

fall RDM to a range 

that enhances native 

annual species 

composition in the 

spring.

assumption = 

reduced RDM in fall 

promotes increase 

native annual 

species in spring so 

long as other factors 

are appropriate 

(timing and amount 

of rainfall, 

temperatures)

Experimentally test a 

dormant season 

(June-October) 

grazing regime for 

the enhancement of 

native annual plant 

species richness 

and cover in select 

valley and foothill 

grassland 

community sites. 

2c2

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain native 

annual seed 

bank PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Seed production 

during favorable 

years

"Adequate" proportion 

of population 

producing seeds

Varies 

depending on 

species (AprilOctober)

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: 

Avoid livestock use in green season and before 

seedfall.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-50

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2c3

c.

Native annual 

flora

Reduce 

abundance of 

exotic annual 

grasses and 

forbs 

SECONDARY

(BIO-21)

% cover, richness, 

abundance, height 

of exotic species

< current levels

Spring-active: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: JuneOctober

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In valley and foothill grassland and 

scrub communities, in soil types 3, 7and 8, avoid 

grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing used from 1997–

2003).

Evaluate the use of 

livestock to reduce 

exotic summer 

annuals 

(tumbleweeds?). 

2g Grassland 

Community

Maintain matrix 

of bunchgrasses 

and native 

annual plant 

species 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-8)

Composition and % 

cover of nonbunchgrass plant 

species.

 

Frequency of Poa 

secunda and 

Nassella species 

seedlings; relative or 

absolute cover of 

native annual plant 

species; native 

annual plant species 

richness.

See 2a2 and 2c1. March-May

ACTION: Complete actions for both 2a1/2a2 

(Maintain or enhance bunch grass populationsreproduction and recruitment) and 2c1 (Maintain or 

enhance species richness and cover of native annual 

flora) The Management Objective would be 

accomplished by each of these actions, no additional 

action needed for the management objective alone.

 

2d

d.

Native perennial 

herbs & bulbs

TBD

(BIO-14) 0 0 

2e1

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Maintain or 

enhance current 

cover and 

population 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

% cover, areal 

extent

> or = to current 

amount

Summer 

active: JuneNovember; 

Winter active: 

DecemberMay; depends 

on species

CONSTRAINT: Avoid grazing in summer or growing 

season for target shrub species. Remove livestock if 

shrubs are not meeting form class criteria (to be 

developed). 

Prevent grazing in some areas to allow maintenance 

of older/ larger plants. 

SECTION 15: Avoid grazing in summer or growing 

season for target shrub species. Remove livestock if 

shrubs are not meeting form class criteria (to be 

developed).

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-51

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2e2

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Recruitment in 

favorable years 

to maintain age 

structure 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Seedling survival 

during and following 

recruitment years

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals; range of 

sizes and ages

Depends on 

species

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: Avoid grazing in summer or growing 

season for target shrub species. 

Prevent grazing in some areas to allow maintenance 

of older/ larger plants. 

Evaluate whether 

livestock grazing can 

provide germination 

microsites and 

seedling 

establishment 

opportunities for 

native shrubs.

2e3

e. Native shrub 

flora: Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance the 

areal extent of 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

acres > or = to current 

amount

anytime 

(remote 

sensing)

 

2e4

e. Native shrub 

flora: Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Cover and richness 

of native spp. > current levels 0 

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In valley and foothill upper sonoran 

subshrub scrub communities (soil types 3, 7, and 8) 

avoid grazing Nov-May (the grazing timing used from 

1997-2003).

Monitor and 

evaluate Nov-May 

grazing regime 

across Sec. 15 

grazing leases to 

determine if valley 

and foothill upper 

sonoran subshrub 

scrub results from 

1997–2003 

monitoring study are 

supported across 

additional Carrizo 

scrub sites. Adjust 

subsequent grazing 

regime across Sec. 

15 sites accordingly.

2e6

e. Native shrub 

flora:

Valley Sink 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8,BIO-14)

Cover and richness 

of native spp. > current levels 0 

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: No grazing.

SECTION 15: No grazing.

 

2f1 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14)

reproduction (acorn 

production)

cyclical production 

(mast years) fall

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: minimize livestock feeding on acorns.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-52

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2f2 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

recruitment of new 

individuals

presence of 

seedlings/young trees any

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: avoid grazing to minimize trampling 

of, and foraging on, young oaks.

SECTION 15:

Assess oak stands and individuals and consider site 

specific guidelines to meet objectives. 

 

2f3 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

understory habitat

presence of intact 

soils, leaf litter, 

diverse humus biota

any

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: keep livestock away from understory.

 

17a soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

geographic extent increase of crust 

habitat any

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: minimize trampling in sensitive areas

investigate 

relationship of 

grazing to crusts and 

introduced weedy 

grasses

17b soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

diversity

presence of a number 

of species 

(bryophytes, lichens, 

algae, cyanobacteria)

best during 

wet season

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: minimize trampling in sensitive areas

investigate 

relationship of 

grazing to crust 

diversity

17c soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

serial stage mix of late and early 

successional species

best during 

wet season

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: minimize trampling in sensitive areas

 

17d soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

physical integrity not broken during dry 

season, intact dry season

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: minimize trampling in sensitive areas

 

12

Noxious Weeds 

(Hoary Cress, 

Tamarisk, 

Russian 

Knapweed, Bull 

thistle, yellow 

star thistle)

Decrease or 

eliminate 

distribution and 

abundance of 

key invaders 

(see list) 

PRIMARY

(BIO-21)

presence; % cover, 

density

presence; <= 

distribution

Varies 

depending on 

species

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: Avoid grazing of untreated 

populations to prevent spread. 

Continue to prevent supplemental feeding of livestock 

outside shipping corrals.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-53

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

34

Annual forage 

on Section 15 

allotments

Manage annual 

biomass to 

protect soils from 

accelerated 

erosion and 

replenish soil 

nutrients through 

decomposition.

(BIO-1, BIO-8)

RDM 

RDM at least 500 

lbs/acre at beginning 

of the next growing 

season.

OctoberNovember

SECTION 15: Livestock turnout: 1,000 lbs/ac. and 2” 

green growth, or 1,200 lbs/ac. without green growth.

Livestock removal: 700 lbs/ac. at end of growing 

season (May 31) or if grazing is applied during 

summer, set another value that results in at least 500 

lbs/ac RDM.

 

Native animal species 

3a Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance current 

populations in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

GKR density (active) 

(over large scale)

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per hectare 

in core areas or in 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core area)

August-Sept

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600 lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape.

Test effects of 

vegetation 

management 

prescriptions on 

habitat 

characteristics and 

population / 

demographics

3b Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Distribution of active 

GKR

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per hectare 

in core areas or in 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core area)

August-Sept

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape.

Test the use of 

remote sensing or 

other means to 

evaluate 

distributions in core 

areas to develop 

distribution 

thresholds
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-54

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

3c Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure 

in core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM

RDM < 1600 lbs/acre

(dry mass) and GKR 

(>20 individuals / 

hectare). 

Consider using a 

range to prevent 

dropping below 

desired lbs/acre 

between 

measurement and 

actual removal of 

cattle

fall, Oct-Nov

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape..

SECTION 15:

Livestock turnout: 1,000 lbs/ac. and 2” green growth, 

or 1,200 lbs/ac. without green growth.

Livestock removal: 700 lbs/ac. at end of growing 

season (May 31) or if grazing is applied during 

summer, set another value that results in at least 500 

lbs/ac RDM.

Consider stubble 

height or level of 

utilization as as 

monitoring methods 

with or as opposed 

to RDM

3d Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime

ACTION: Develop species specific protocol for 

measurements to assess shrub cover in key areas. 

Develop criteria to determine how to apply summer 

grazing in these areas with greater than 30% shrub 

cover.

 

3e Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

distribution, and 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, TR, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CPN subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument when 

variables in core 

areas continue to 

decline despite 

actions already taken 

in core areas.

Same as GKR 

core timing 

The decision to apply management outside the core 

area, and what type of management to use, would 

follow the logic outlined in the Decision Tree table for 

management of SJV target species in non-core areas. 

Specific management actions would be based on 

evaluations of core area populations, the 

effectiveness of current management, and whether 

target animal populations are responding to current 

management. 

Test management 

actions to achieve 

core area effects in 

non-core areas 

when species 

thresholds at desired 

levels
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-55

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

4a Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

herbaceous 

structure in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO- 3)

Biomass 

(herbaceous layer 

only)

<500 optimal; <1000 

ok

Spring - Late 

April - MidMay (post 

annual dry-up; 

after peak 

production)

Action: Apply livestock grazing when biomass is 

greater than 1000 lbs/acre in areas within current 

distribution. Areas are a subset of GKR core areas 

and treatment areas may vary. Monitoring will 

determine distribution and size of treatment areas.

SECTION 15:

Allow livestock when biomass is greater than 1000 

lbs/acre in areas within and adjacent to current 

distribution. Habitat structure to maintain open ground 

cover: 500- 1000 pounds biomass-RDM/acre during 

active BNLL season (April-September). Remove 

livestock when 500 lbs/acre are reached.

 

4b Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain or 

enhance 

population in 

core areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3)

Presence/absence

One or more 

individual observed on 

single visit in 

favorable conditions; 

several seen on 

repeated visits 

May and June

ACTION: Apply livestock grazing when regular 

observations decline from what is expected [One or 

more individual observed on single visit in favorable 

conditions; several seen on repeated visits] and when 

biomass is greater than 1000 lbs/acre in areas within 

and adjacent to current distribution. Habitat structure 

to maintain open ground cover: 500- 1000 pounds 

biomass-RDM/acre during active BNLL season (AprilSeptember). Remove livestock when 500 lbs/acre are 

reached.

 

4c Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

areas with 

unsuitable 

number/density 

of open/ 

available 

burrows in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover (burrow 

availability)

inadequate 

number/density of 

open/available 

burrows AND <5-20% 

shrub cover

Anytime ACTION: Modify grazing to promote shrub cover if < 

5% and inadequate burrows. 

4d Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime

ACTION: Develop species specific protocol for 

measurements to assess shrub cover in key areas. 

Develop criteria to determine how to apply summer 

grazing in these areas with greater than 30% shrub 

cover.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-56

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

4e Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain burrows 

in core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Burrow density and 

distribution

Common and 

available.

Suitable burrows 

present with very few 

altered by humaninduced causes.

Small mammal 

burrowing activity is 

evident and not 

reduced by 

management 

activities. Few (<10%) 

disturbed

Adults: MayAugust; 

hatchlings: 

July-August

No recommended action to meet this objective. 

4f Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

and herbaceous 

structure to fluctuate 

naturally within noncore areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CFS.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument when 

variables in core 

areas continue to 

decline despite 

actions already taken 

in core areas.

Same as 

BNLL core 

timing

The decision to apply management outside the core 

area, and what type of management to use, would 

follow the logic outlined in the Decision Tree table for 

management of SJV target species in non-core areas. 

Specific management actions would be based on 

evaluations of core area populations, the 

effectiveness of current management, and whether 

target animal populations are responding to current 

management. 

Test management 

actions to achieve 

core area effects in 

non-core areas 

when species 

thresholds at desired 

levels.

8a Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

populations in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox abundance >= current population 

size quarterly NA 

8b Kit Fox

Monitor predator 

abundance in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Predator abundance Below "detrimental" 

levels quarterly NA 

8c Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox distribution >= current distribution quarterly NA 

8d Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover <30% Anytime

ACTION: Develop species specific protocol for 

measurements to assess shrub cover in key areas. 

Develop criteria to determine how to apply summer 

grazing in these areas with greater than 30% shrub 

cover.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-57

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

8e Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

veg. ht. in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Vegetation height < Kit fox eyelevel (< 8 

inches); patch size? Anytime

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape.

SECTION 15:

Livestock turnout: 1,000 lbs/ac. and 2” green growth, 

or 1,200 lbs/ac. without green growth.

Livestock removal: 700 lbs/ac. at end of growing 

season (May 31) or if grazing is applied during 

summer, set another value that results in at least 500 

lbs/ac RDM.

 

8f Kit Fox

Maintain prey 

abundance 

(nocturnal 

rodents, other 

small mammals) 

in core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Abundance of 

nocturnal mammals 

(jackrabbits, 

cottontails, kangaroo 

rats, etc.)

Absence, low 

numbers (need to look 

at data to determine 

whether there are 

thresholds)

quarterly NA 

8g Kit Fox

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow suitable 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and SL 

subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument when 

variables in core 

areas continue to 

decline despite 

actions already taken 

in core areas.

Same as 

SJKF core 

timing

The decision to apply management outside the core 

area, and what type of management to use, would 

follow the logic outlined in the Decision Tree table for 

management of SJV target species in non-core areas. 

Specific management actions would be based on 

evaluations of core area populations, the 

effectiveness of current management, and whether 

target animal populations are responding to current 

management. 

Test management 

actions to achieve 

core area effects in 

non-core areas 

when species 

thresholds at desired 

levels.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-58

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

10a

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure: 

herbaceous 

biomass in core 

areas. PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM 

<1600 lbs/ acre and 

GKR (> 20 individuals 

per hectare)

Oct-Nov, 

before rains

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape.. 

SECTION 15:

Livestock turnout: 1,000 lbs/ac. and 2” green growth, 

or 1,200 lbs/ac. without green growth.

Livestock removal: 700 lbs/ac. at end of growing 

season (May 31) or if grazing is applied during 

summer, set another value that results in at least 500 

lbs/ac RDM.

 

10b

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain/ 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Presence of 

individuals

>= existing 

distribution. 

2 or more individuals 

on std. transect used 

to locate core areas.

Spring through 

Summer

Action: Apply livestock grazing (when GKR density 

<20 individuals per hectare and RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

and RDM is composed of thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), making up over 70% of plant 

composition in the sampling area. Remove livestock 

when minimums (1,000 lbs/acre RDM or biomass, 

depending on time of year) are reached, to create 

large suitable areas in the core area and/or a mosaic 

pattern in landscape.

 

10c

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat 

structure:shrub 

cover in core 

areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-50% Anytime

ACTION: Develop species specific protocol for 

measurements to assess shrub cover in key areas. 

Develop criteria to determine how to apply summer 

grazing in these areas with greater than 50% shrub 

cover over 30% of the SJAS core area and if no 

conflicts with LETH. 

Test effects of 

vegetation 

management 

prescriptions on 

habitat 

characteristics and 

population / 

demographics
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-59

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

10d

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

suitable herbaceous 

structure to fluctuate 

naturally within noncore areas of CMS, 

PHEP, and CPC 

subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument when 

variables in core 

areas continue to 

decline despite 

actions already taken 

in core areas.

Same as 

SJAS core 

timing

The decision to apply management outside the core 

area, and what type of management to use, would 

follow the logic outlined in the Decision Tree table for 

management of SJV target species in non-core areas. 

Specific management actions would be based on 

evaluations of core area populations, the 

effectiveness of current management, and whether 

target animal populations are responding to current 

management. 

Test management 

actions to achieve 

core area effects in 

non-core areas 

when species 

thresholds at desired 

levels.

30 bats - pallid TBD 0 0 0

18 Burrowing owl

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO-4)

nesting pairs with 

successfully fledged 

young

>= current levels late May-July

Treatment prescriptions for GKR, BNLL, MOPL 

provide suitable habitat. Assume specific treatment 

for BUOW not required since GKR, MOPL, BNLL 

treatment will overlap BUOW distribution. Ask Dan R. 

to confirm burrows are not limiting.

 

11a Fairy Shrimp

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential pools

>= current frequency 

of occurrence across 

range

Late January - 

March

ACTION: In pastures with known non-lindahli pools: 

Don't modify existing grazing regime in known pools. 

Continue past (last 10 -15 years) grazing or nongrazing regime around pools that support non-lindahli 

species. Grazing on currently known pools was NovApril, when biomass >1,000 lbs/ac. and native annual 

species cover was less than 60% of the total annual 

plant cover.

Consider fencing livestock into a smaller area of use 

that includes the pools rather than using the entire 

pasture if it will not modify the grazing pattern around 

the pools. 

SECTION 15:

Don't modify existing grazing regime in known pools. 

Continue past (last 10 -15 years) grazing or nongrazing regime around pools that support non-lindahli 

species. Grazing on currently known pools was NovApril, when biomass >1,000 lbs/ac. and native annual 

species cover was less than 60% of the total annual 

plant cover.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-60

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

11b Fairy Shrimp

Replace and 

maintain cyst 

bank

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence of females 

with mature cysts

Presence of females 

with mature cysts

Late January - 

March 

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In pastures with known non-lindahli 

pools: Avoid accelerated drawdown of water - 

maintain water in pools long enough for one to 

several cysts production cycles. Provide alternate 

water for livestock to reduce drawdown by livestock 

consumption (assess vulnerability of pool - large 

pools = less vulnerable). Advise sheep herders to 

avoid vulnerable pools.

 

13a Sphinx moth

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential 

occurrences

>= current distribution

Late January - 

mid-February 

(adult 

emergence)

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: Avoid trampling of host plant, moth, 

larvae, and pupae - Avoid livestock use of known 

habitat during all life stages. 

SECTION 15:

Avoid trampling of host plant, moth, larvae, and pupae 

- Avoid livestock use of known habitat during all life 

stages. (There are currently no known locations in 

Sec. 15 allotments.)

 

13b Sphinx moth

Maintain suitable 

habitat

BIO-4, BIO-8)

Sparsely vegetated 

washes with 

Camissonia 

campestris

Camissonia is 

common in favorable 

years

Late January - 

late March 

(plant 

presence)

CONSTRAINT: In drainages with known KPSM 

habitat: avoid trampling of washes supporting host 

plant. Avoid heavy trampling (damage to crust and 

microsite features required for maintenance of host 

plant) of known habitat and suspected habitat at all 

times. 

SECTION 15:

Avoid heavy trampling (damage to crust and microsite 

features required for maintenance of host plant) of 

known habitat at all times. (There are currently no 

known locations in Sec. 15 allotments.)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-61

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

14 Spade-foot toad

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

of tadpoles in all 

known or other 

ponds

Water present long 

enough to complete 

life cycle

Breeding 

season: 

January - April

ACTION: Apply livestock grazing when non-native 

annuals within 5m of pool’s edge approach >=10” to 

minimize effects of evapotranspiration. Remove 

livestock when height reaches 3”-5”.

CONSTRAINT: Avoid accelerated drawdown of water 

– allow enough water in pools long enough for toads 

to complete life cycle (>=60 days). Provide alternate 

water for livestock to reduce drawdown by livestock 

consumption (assess vulnerability of pool – large 

pools = less vulnerable). Advise sheep herders to 

avoid vulnerable pools.

 

16 Vernal pool 

invertebrates

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and species 

diversity

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential locations

water present long 

enough to complete 

life cycle

Late January - 

March 

26 LeConte's 

thrasher

Maintain current 

nesting 

populations

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

Presence of LETH in 

suitable habitat

Persistence of current 

populations; suitable 

shrub cover for 

nesting structure; 

saltbush or ephedra 

>3’ in stands, found in 

drainages or alluvial 

fans; open/bare 

ground for foraging 

away from shrubs.

Jan-March

CONSTRAINT: Grazing use/intensity that maintains 

large shrub structure. Maintain between 500 - 1000 

lbs/ac biomass for suitable foraging structure.

 

5a Mountain Plover

Maintain at least 

3 of the core 

areas of 50-200 

acres suitable for 

plovers by Sept. 

1 if no suitable 

habitat available 

in non-core 

areas on the 

Monument.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4, 

BIO-5)

suitable by Sept 1 

thru when they leave

low vegetation (< 2 

inches )and patch size 

30 days 

before they 

arrive

Winter use depends on very low structure, whether 

naturally occurring or management-induced.

3 areas maintained are chosen to include historical 

use in North, Central and Southern areas of the 

Monument. 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-62

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

5b Mountain Plover

Maintain low 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Shrub cover

< 5% shrub cover in 

core area; with 

minimum patch size of 

50-200 acres 

September ACTION: Develop protocol to assess shrub cover in 

key areas. 

Develop criteria to 

determine how to 

apply summer 

grazing in these 

areas with greater 

than 5% shrub 

cover.

5c Mountain Plover

Maintain low 

biomass in core 

areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Biomass <500 lbs/acre OctoberMarch

ACTION: Apply livestock grazing when biomass is 

>500 lbs/acre Sept. in core areas if no other suitable 

habitat available. Apply grazing if green growth 

occurring Oct – Jan. Remove livestock when 500 

lbs/acre reached.

 

29 condor TBD (BIO-6)

25 sandhill crane TBD (BIO-4)

1a Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for fawning 

PRIMARY.

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

15-25 inches 

herbaceous veg over 

80% of the fawning 

area (areas of <15% 

slope)

March-April

ACTION: In Pronghorn Fawning Area: Introduce 

livestock, when herbaceous vegetation height is > 

than 25 inches over 80%* of the key area. Remove 

livestock when herbaceous veg height is between 15 - 

25 inches within 80%* of the key area (representing 

the fawning area) or fawning begins (mid-April). (* for 

example 80 out of 100 samples)

SECTION 15:

Should pronghorn establish or expand fawning areas 

into section 15 lease areas, consider guidelines which 

encourage that use.

 

1b Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover for 

fawning. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Shrub cover, density 

and distribution

patches of 5-30% 

cover; 15-25 inches 

tall, Distribution of 

patches?

Anytime

ACTION: In Pronghorn fawning Area: Develop 

species specific protocol for measurements to assess 

shrub cover in key areas. Develop criteria to 

determine how to apply summer grazing in these 

areas with greater than 30% shrub cover.

 

1c Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

forage. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

Forb abundance and 

% cover

Maintain or exceed 

current cover and 

abundance of 

palatable forb species

Two sampling 

dates: MarchApril; August

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In Pronghorn Foraging Areas: Avoid 

livestock use in spring during years and within 

pastures with exceptional expressions* of native 

annual plants. (* exceptional expressions = native 

annual spp make up 60?-80% of the total annual plant 

spp relative cover)

Experiment to test 

whether summer 

season grazing to 

reducing RDM to 

improve forb 

production

1d Pronghorn

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

available water water source every 

two miles year round NA for grazing 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-63

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

1e Pronghorn

Maintain or 

enhance fawnto-doe ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

fawn:doe Maintain a minimum 

of 25 fawns/100 does July NA for grazing 

1f Pronghorn

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

number of 

pronghorn >= 250 January NA for grazing 

1g Pronghorn

Maintain buck-todoe ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

buck:doe

Maintain a minimum 

of 25 bucks/100 does 

+ minimum population 

size of 250

January NA for grazing 

1h Pronghorn

Promote travel 

across 

landscape

(BIO-16)

Fences

All fences modified for 

pronghorn 

passage/unnecessary 

fences removed

Anytime

15a Elk

Maintain and 

expand foraging 

habitat. 

(BIO-17)

Presence of elk

Elk use in 90% of the 

Avena belt within the 

CFN and CPN 

subregions.

November

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: Do not graze Avena belt within the 

CFN and CPN subregions. Use GPS elk collar data to 

determine elk home range. Expect elk home range to 

be a subset of pronghorn fawning = grasshopper 

sparrow).

SECTION 15:

No grazing in current elk cow herd home ranges.

Should elk establish or expand home ranges into 

section 15 lease areas, consider guidelines which 

encourage that use.

 

15b Elk

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for calving. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

>15 inches veg over 

80% of the calving 

area (within 

appropriate area?)

March-April

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: In Elk calving areas: Remove 

livestock when veg height is approaching 15 inches 

within 80%* of the key area (representing the calving 

area) or when calving begins (mid-April). (* for 

example 80 out of 100 samples)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-64

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

15c Elk

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17)

available water water source every 

two miles year round NA 

15d Elk

Prevent cow 

displacement 

during calving 

SECONDARY 

(BIO-17)

No recommended action to meet this objective.

CONSTRAINT: Avoid livestock use during calving 

period (mid-April thru July)

 

15e Elk

Maintain or 

enhance calf-tocow ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

calf:cow Maintain a minimum 

of 25 fawns/100 does July NA 

15f Elk

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

number of elk >= 500, including both 

sub herds. November NA 

15g Elk

Maintain bull-tocow ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

bull:cow

Maintain a minimum 

of 25 bulls/100 cows + 

minimum population 

size of 250

November NA 

24a Grasshopper 

sparrow

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

structure for 

nesting 

PRIMARY. 

(BIO-4, BIO-8, 

BIO-18))

Vegetation structure 

Vegetation height = 

10” to 20+”, 

composed of annual 

and/or perennial 

grasses with some 

scattered shrubs-w/a 

pref. for bunch 

grasses; height for 

perching and cover 

but open space for 

movement 

(patchiness)

Dec-Jan 

ACTION: Introduce livestock when patchiness absent 

and herbaceous vegetation is too dense to allow for 

movement, or when shrub cover is >20%. Remove 

when patchiness is achieved or shrub component 

reduced to <20% over the nesting area. (Assume 

nesting area between 75 to 250 acres.)

CONSTRAINT: Avoid grazing during nesting (MarchAugust).

 

24b Other grassland 

birds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8, BIO-18) 

27 tricolor 

blackbirds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8) 

28a

landscape scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

habitats

(BIO-8)

diversity of habitats 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-65

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan GRAZING

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Grazing

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of year 

the variable 

should be 

measured Actions and Constraints to the Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

28b

landscape scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

native spp within 

habitats

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

spp diversity within 

habitats

29 Long-billed 

curlew

30 Wintering 

Raptors TBD (BIO-18) 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-67

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

Native plant species 

9a Caulanthus

Maintain 

distribution and 

size of existing 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Distribution and 

population size; 

reproducing 

populations

>= current levels January - 

May 

9b Caulanthus

Restore 

populations to 

areas of known 

historical range

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

Success 

(establishment and 

reproduction) of 

restored 

populations in 

historical range

Self-sustaining 

populations in 

introduced range

January - 

May 

19 woolly-threads

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO -2, BIO-14

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate 

locations

>= current distribution 

and condition across 

landscape relative to 

year's precipitation 

Feb-Apr 

20a Lepidium jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally (as in 

2008)

Apr-May 

20b Lepidium jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays (as in 

2008)

Mar-May 

32a

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally

Mar-May 

32b

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays 

Mar-May 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-68

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

33a

Acanthomintha 

obovata ssp. 

cordata (clay 

species)

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed production 

in most years, large 

seed production 

occasionally

Apr-Jul 

33b

Acanthomintha 

obovata ssp. 

cordata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, some 

presence in known 

habitat, occasional 

large displays (like in 

2008)

Apr-Jul 

22 Clay species

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate 

locations

>= current distribution 

and condition across 

landscape relative to 

year's precipitation 

Mar-Jun 

31 vernal pools TBD 0 0 0

2a1

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella cernua, 

Nasella pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

a. Seed production

[presence of 

inflorescences 

(sexual) or new 

genets (asexual)]

Presence of 

inflorescences in > 

50% of population

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(FebruaryMay)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-69

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2a2

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella cernua, 

Nasella pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

b. Recruitment of 

new individuals and 

Retention of 

existing. Measure 

through cover and 

frequency.

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals.

Maintain or enhance 

the average frequency 

of Poa secunda and 

Nassella spp. seedlings 

at more than 20 per 

plot during a five year 

period. Initiate active 

restoration when the 

average frequency of 

Poa secunda and 

Nassella spp. seedlings 

is ≤ 10 seedlings per 

plot.

Frequency plot = large 

"inter-plot areas" 

February for 

seedlings; 

late spring 

(May/June) 

for new 

juveniles 

and adults

 

Experimentally test 

dormant season 

prescribed burning, in 

select valley and foothill 

grassland areas where 

native perennial 

bunchgrasses are present, 

for enhancement of native

perennial bunchgrass 

recruitment (i.e., provide 

germination microsites for 

new bunchgrass species 

seedlings by reducing 

competition (biomass) 

from exotic annual 

grasses). 

2a3

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella cernua, 

Nasella pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain stable 

size structure; 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Cover, basal 

diameter Maintain range of sizes. FebruaryMay 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-70

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2a4

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella cernua, 

Nasella pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution of 

bunch grass 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or enhance 

population boundary 

within 'range of natural 

variation' (e.g. allowing 

for annual expansion 

and contraction

FebruaryMay 

2b1

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance 

population patch 

size PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Patch size (e.g. 

%cover over larger 

scale)

Maintain or enhance 

patch size (No value for 

this variable yet)

Anytime 

(preferably 

peak growth 

period)

 

2b2

b. Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or enhance 

distribution (No value 

for this variable yet)

Anytime 

(peak 

growth 

period)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-71

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2c1

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain or 

enhance native 

annual species 

richness and 

cover PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Native annual 

species richness 

and cover

>= current levels.

Maintain or enhance 

the average relative 

cover of native annual 

plant species at more 

than 20% and the 

average native annual 

plant species richness 

at more than 5 during a 

five year period. Initiate 

active restoration when 

the average relative 

cover of native annual 

plant species is ≤ 20% 

and/or the average 

native annual plant 

species richness is ≤ 

3.5 during a five year 

period.

Plant cover and 

richness = Daubenmire 

plot.

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: JuneOctober

occasional burn 

targeting weedy 

biomass

Experimentally test 

dormant season 

prescribed burning in 

select valley and foothill 

grasslands areas for 

enhancement of native 

annual plant species cover 

and richness (i.e., to 

reduce competition 

(biomass) from exotic 

annual grasses, and 

increase recruitment).

2c2

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain native 

annual seed 

bank PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Seed production 

during favorable 

years

"Adequate" proportion 

of population producing 

seeds

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(AprilOctober)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-72

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2c3

c.

Native annual 

flora

Reduce 

abundance of 

exotic annual 

grasses and 

forbs 

SECONDARY

(BIO-21)

% cover, richness, 

abundance, height 

of exotic species

< current levels

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: JuneOctober

 

Evaluate the use of 

livestock to reduce exotic 

summer annuals 

(tumbleweeds?).

Experimentally test 

dormant season 

prescribed burning in 

select valley and foothill 

grasslands areas to 

reduce the abundance of 

exotic annual grasses.

2g Grassland 

Community

Maintain matrix 

of bunchgrasses 

and native 

annual plant 

species 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-8)

Composition and % 

cover of nonbunchgrass plant 

species.

 

Frequency of Poa 

secunda and 

Nassella species 

seedlings; relative 

or absolute cover of 

native annual plant 

species; native 

annual plant 

species richness.

See 2a2 and 2c1. March-May 

Experimentally test 

dormant season 

prescribed burning, in 

select valley and foothill 

grassland areas where 

native perennial 

bunchgrasses are present, 

for enhancement of native 

perennial bunchgrass and 

native annual forb 

recruitment (i.e., provide 

germination microsites for 

new bunchgrass species 

seedlings and enhance 

the cover and richness of 

native annual forbs by 

reducing competition 

(biomass) from exotic 

annual grasses).

2d

d.

Native perennial 

herbs & bulbs

TBD

(BIO-14) 0 0 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-73

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2e1

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Maintain or 

enhance current 

cover and 

population 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

% cover, areal 

extent

Summer 

active: JuneNovember; 

Winter 

active: 

DecemberMay; 

depends on 

species

Burn prescription 

should be geared 

toward target shrub 

species. Some 

species may take 

decade + to 

reestablish (saltbush) 

vs. some may come 

back in 3-5 years 

(buckwheat).

 

2e2

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Recruitment in 

favorable years 

to maintain age 

structure 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Seedling survival 

during and following 

recruitment years

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals; range of 

sizes and ages

Depends on 

species 

Evaluate whether fire can 

provide germination 

microsites and seedling 

establishment 

opportunities for native 

shrubs.

2e3

e. Native shrub 

flora: Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance the 

areal extent of 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

acres

> or = to current 

amount

anytime 

(remote 

sensing)

 

2e4

e. Native shrub 

flora: Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Cover and richness 

of native spp. > current levels 0 

2e6

e. Native shrub 

flora:

Valley Sink 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8,BIO-14)

Cover and richness 

of native spp. > current levels 0 

2f1 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14)

reproduction (acorn 

production)

cyclical production 

(mast years) fall 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-74

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

2f2 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

recruitment of new 

individuals

presence of 

seedlings/young trees any 

2f3 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

understory habitat

presence of intact soils, 

leaf litter, diverse 

humus biota

any 

17a soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

geographic extent increase of crust 

habitat any 

17b soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

diversity 

presence of a number 

of species (bryophytes, 

lichens, algae, 

cyanobacteria)

best during 

wet season 

17c soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

serial stage mix of late and early 

successional species

best during 

wet season 

17d soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

physical integrity not broken during dry 

season, intact dry season 

12

Noxious Weeds 

(Hoary Cress, 

Tamarisk, 

Russian 

Knapweed, Bull 

thistle, yellow 

star thistle)

Decrease or 

eliminate 

distribution and 

abundance of 

key invaders 

(see list) 

PRIMARY

(BIO-21)

presence; % cover, 

density

presence; <= 

distribution

Varies 

depending 

on species

use if effective for 

target species and 

location.

 

34

Annual forage 

on Section 15 

allotments

Manage annual 

biomass to 

protect soils 

from accelerated 

erosion and 

replenish soil 

nutrients through 

decomposition.

(BIO-1, BIO-8)

RDM 

RDM at least 500 

lbs/acre at beginning of 

the next growing 

season.

OctoberNovember 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-75

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

Native animal species 

3a Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance current 

populations in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

density (active) 

(over large scale)

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per hectare 

in core areas or in 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core area)

August-Sept

Apply fire in any 

season to reduce 

standing biomass to 

create mosaic 

pattern; 

Apply fire when GKR 

density <20 individuals 

per hectare and RDM 

>1,600lbs/acre when 

RDM is composed of 

thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and 

Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics),

making up over 70% of 

plant composition in the 

sampling area. 

Efficacy of fire to maintain 

suitable habitat structure

Test effects of vegetation 

management prescriptions on 

habitat characteristics and 

population/demographics

3b Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Distribution of 

active GKR

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per hectare 

in core areas or in 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core area)

August-Sept

Apply fire treatments 

to create large 

suitable areas in core 

areas and/or in a 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape. Apply fire 

when GKR density <20 

individuals per hectare 

and RDM 

>1,600lbs/acre when 

RDM is composed of 

thick, non-native grasses 

such as Bromus and 

Hordeum spp. (or other 

persistent exotics),

making up over 70% of 

plant composition in the 

sampling area.

Test effects of vegetation 

management prescriptions on 

habitat characteristics and 

population/demographics

3c Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure 

in core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM

 < 1600 lbs/acre (dry 

mass) and GKR (>20 

individuals/hectare). 

fall, Oct-Nov

Apply fire in any 

season to reduce 

standing biomass to 

create mosaic pattern

Consider stubble height or 

level of utilization as 

monitoring methods along 

with or as opposed to RDM
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-76

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

3d Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime 

Burn in areas with 

greater than 30% 

shrub cover. Apply 

low fire intensity 

prescriptions

 

3e Giant Kangaroo 

Rat

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

distribution, and 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, TR, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CPN subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from the 

Monument when 

variables in core areas 

continue to decline 

despite actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same as 

timing in 

GKR core

areas 

The decision to apply 

management outside 

the core area, and 

what type of 

management to use, 

would follow the logic 

outlined in the 

Decision Tree table 

for management of 

SJV target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific management 

actions would be 

based on evaluations 

of core area 

populations, the 

effectiveness of 

current management, 

and whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current management. 

Test management actions to 

achieve core area effects in 

non-core areas when species 

thresholds at desired levels. 

Consider impacts at diff. age 

classes, effects to food base 

and pressures from 

predators.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-77

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

4a Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

herbaceous 

structure in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO- 3)

Biomass 

(herbaceous layer 

only)

<500 optimal; <1000 ok

Spring - 

Late April - 

Mid-May 

(post annual 

dry-up; after 

peak 

production)

Apply fire in any 

season to reduce 

standing biomass; 

Apply fire when biomass 

is greater than 1,000 

lbs/acre in areas within 

current distribution. 

Areas are a subset of 

GKR core areas and

treatment areas may 

vary. Monitoring will 

determine distribution 

and size of treatment 

areas.

Efficacy of fire to maintain 

suitable habitat structure

4b Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain or 

enhance 

population in 

core areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3)

Presence/absence

One or more individual 

observed on single visit 

in favorable conditions; 

several seen on 

repeated visits 

May and 

June

Apply fire treatments 

to create large 

suitable areas in core 

areas and/or in a 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape

BNLL detection protocols 

used for monitoring habitat 

suitability 

4c Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

areas with 

unsuitable 

number/density 

of open/ 

available 

burrows in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 

(burrow availability)

inadequate 

number/density of 

open/available burrows 

AND <5-20% shrub 

cover

Anytime Design burns to avoid 

reducing shrub cover. 

4d Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime Burn areas with >30% 

shrub cover 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-78

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

4e Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Maintain 

burrows in core 

areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Burrow density and 

distribution

Common and available.

Suitable burrows 

present with very few 

altered by humaninduced causes.

Small mammal 

burrowing activity is 

evident and not 

reduced by 

management activities. 

Few (<10%) disturbed

Adults: MayAugust; 

hatchlings: 

July-August

 

4f Blunt-nosed 

Leopard Lizard

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

and herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CFS.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from the 

Monument when 

variables in core areas 

continue to decline 

despite actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same as 

timing in 

BNLL core

areas timing

The decision to apply 

management outside 

the core area, and 

what type of 

management to use, 

would follow the logic 

outlined in the 

Decision Tree table 

for management of 

SJV target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific management 

actions would be 

based on evaluations 

of core area 

populations, the 

effectiveness of 

current management, 

and whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current management. 

Test management actions to 

achieve core area effects in 

non-core areas when species 

thresholds at desired levels. 

Consider impacts at diff. age 

classes, effects to food base 

and pressures from 

predators.

8a Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

populations in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox abundance >= current population 

size quarterly 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-79

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

8b Kit Fox

Monitor predator 

abundance in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Predator 

abundance

Below "detrimental" 

levels quarterly 

8c Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox distribution >= current distribution quarterly 

8d Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover <30% Anytime 

Burn in areas with 

greater than 30% 

shrub cover.

 

8e Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

veg. ht. in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Vegetation height < Kit fox eyelevel (< 8 

inches); patch size? Anytime 

Action: Apply fire when 

RDM >1,600lbs/acre 

when RDM is composed 

of thick, non-native 

grasses such as Bromus 

and Hordeum spp. (or 

other persistent exotics),

making up over 70% of 

plant composition in the 

sampling area, to create 

large suitable areas in 

core areas and/or a 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape.

 

8f Kit Fox

Maintain prey 

abundance 

(nocturnal 

rodents, other 

small mammals) 

in core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Abundance of 

nocturnal mammals 

(jackrabbits, 

cottontails, 

kangaroo rats, etc.)

Absence, low numbers 

(need to look at data to 

determine whether 

there are thresholds)

quarterly 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-80

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

8g Kit Fox

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow suitable 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

SL subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from the 

Monument when 

variables in core areas 

continue to decline 

despite actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same as 

timing in 

SJKF core

areas 

The decision to apply 

management outside 

the core area, and 

what type of 

management to use, 

would follow the logic 

outlined in the 

Decision Tree table 

for management of 

SJV target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific management 

actions would be 

based on evaluations 

of core area 

populations, the 

effectiveness of 

current management, 

and whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current management. 

Test management actions to 

achieve core area effects in 

non-core areas when species 

thresholds at desired levels. 

Consider impacts at diff. age 

classes, effects to food base 

and pressures from 

predators.
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-81

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

10a

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure: 

herbaceous 

biomass in core 

areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM 

<1600 lbs/ acre and 

GKR (> 20 individuals 

per hectare)

Oct-Nov, 

before rains

Apply fire treatments 

to create large 

suitable areas in core 

areas and/or in a 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape; when 

GKR density <20 

individuals per 

hectare and RDM 

>1,600lbs/acre ) and 

RDM is composed of 

thick, non-native 

grasses such as 

Bromus and Hordeum 

spp. (or other 

persistent exotics), 

making up over 70% 

of plant composition 

in the sampling area.

Efficacy of fire to maintain 

suitable habitat structure;

Consider stubble height or 

level of utilization as 

monitoring methods along 

with or as opposed to 

RDM

10b

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain/ 

enhance 

distribution in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Presence of 

individuals

>= existing distribution. 

2 or more individuals 

on std. transect used to 

locate core areas.

Spring 

through 

Summer

Apply fire treatments 

to create large 

suitable areas in core 

areas and/or in a 

mosaic pattern in 

landscape

 

10c

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat 

structure:shrub 

cover in core 

areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-50% Anytime 

Burn in areas with 

greater than 50% 

shrub cover. Apply 

low intensity fire 

prescriptions to 

minimize too high 

Atriplex kill
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-82

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

10d

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 

2, Non-core 

areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

suitable 

herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, and CPC 

subregions.

Take action to prevent 

disappearance from the 

Monument when 

variables in core areas 

continue to decline 

despite actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same as 

SJAS core 

timing 

The decision to apply 

management outside 

the core area, and 

what type of 

management to use, 

would follow the logic 

outlined in the 

Decision Tree table 

for management of 

SJV target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific management 

actions would be 

based on evaluations 

of core area 

populations, the 

effectiveness of 

current management, 

and whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current management. 

Test management actions 

to achieve core area 

effects in non-core areas 

when species thresholds 

at desired levels. Consider 

impacts at diff. age 

classes, effects to food 

base and pressures from 

predators

30 bats - pallid TBD

18 Burrowing owl

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO-4)

nesting pairs with 

successfully 

fledged young

>= current levels late MayJuly

Avoid indirect effects 

to nests and young 

owls - vehicle strikes, 

entombment.

 

11a Fairy Shrimp

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential pools

>= current frequency of 

occurrence across 

range

Late 

January - 

March

 

11b Fairy Shrimp

Replace and 

maintain cyst 

bank

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence of 

females with 

mature cysts

Presence of females 

with mature cysts

Late 

January - 

March 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-83

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

13a Sphinx moth

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential 

occurrences

>= current distribution

Late 

January - 

midFebruary 

(adult 

emergence)

Avoid burning host 

plant, moth, and 

larvae - don't burn 

known habitat during 

moth above ground 

period. Avoid indirect 

impacts to moth and 

habitat - vehicle 

strikes? disturbance 

to habitat - no surface 

disturbance in known 

habitat.

 

13b Sphinx moth

Maintain suitable 

habitat

BIO-4, BIO-8)

Sparsely vegetated 

washes with 

Camissonia 

campestris

Camissonia is common 

in favorable years

Late 

January - 

late March 

(plant 

presence)

Avoid indirect 

impacts to habitat - - 

no surface 

disturbance in known 

habitat that could 

preclude host plant 

maintenance.

 

14 Spade-foot toad

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

of tadpoles in all 

known or other 

ponds

Water present long 

enough to complete life 

cycle

Breeding 

season: 

January - 

April 

 

Determine if adults stay 

near pond post breeding 

so flaming can be used to 

prevent evapotranspiration 

of pond water

16 Vernal pool 

invertebrates

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and species 

diversity

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential locations

water present long 

enough to complete life 

cycle

Late 

January - 

March

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-84

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

26 LeConte's 

thrasher

Maintain current 

nesting 

populations

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

Presence of LETH 

in suitable habitat

Persistence of current 

populations; suitable 

shrub cover for nesting 

structure; saltbush or 

ephedra >3’ in stands, 

found in drainages or 

alluvial fans; open/bare 

ground for foraging 

away from shrubs.

Jan-March

Avoid prescribed fire 

in drainages/alluvial 

fans that contain 

large shrubs. 

Suppress fires to 

prevent stands of 

shrubs from burning.

 

5a Mountain 

Plover

Maintain at least 

3 of the core 

areas of 50-200 

acres suitable 

for plovers by 

Sept. 1 if no 

suitable habitat 

available in noncore areas on 

the Monument.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4, 

BIO-5)

suitable by Sept 1 

thru when they 

leave

low vegetation (< 2 

inches )and patch size 

30 days 

before they 

arrive 

Winter use depends on 

very low structure, 

whether naturally 

occurring or 

management-induced.

ACTION: May need to 

apply fire when veg 

height is >2” in Sept. in 

core areas if no other 

suitable habitat 

available. Patchiness 

from GKR may be ok.

3 areas maintained are 

chosen to include 

historical use in North, 

Central and Southern 

areas of the Monument. 

 

5b Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Shrub cover

< 5%; with minimum 

patch size of 50-200 

acres 

OctoberNovember

Burn in areas with 

greater than 5% 

shrub cover.

 

5c Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

biomass in core 

areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Biomass <500 lbs/acre OctoberMarch

ACTION: May need to 

apply fire when biomass 

is >500 lbs/acre Sept. in 

core areas if no other 

suitable habitat 

available. Patchiness 

from GKR may be ok.

 

29 condor TBD (BIO-6)

25 sandhill crane TBD (BIO-4)
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-85

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

1a Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

height for 

fawning 

PRIMARY.

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

15-25 inches 

herbaceous veg over 

80% of the fawning 

area (areas of <15% 

slope)

March-April 

1b Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover for 

fawning. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Shrub cover, 

density and 

distribution

patches of 5-30% 

cover; 15-25 inches tall, 

Distribution of patches?

Anytime 

Burn in areas with 

greater than 30% 

shrub cover.

 

1c Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

forage. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

Forb abundance 

and % cover

Maintain or exceed 

current cover and 

abundance of palatable 

forb species

Two 

sampling 

dates: 

March-April; 

August

Burn pastures to 

promote palatable 

forbs.

 

1d Pronghorn

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

available water water source every two 

miles year round 

1e Pronghorn

Maintain or 

enhance fawnto-doe ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

fawn:doe Maintain a minimum of 

25 fawns/100 does July 

1f Pronghorn

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

number of 

pronghorn >= 250 January 

1g Pronghorn

Maintain buckto-doe ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

buck:doe

Maintain a minimum of 

25 bucks/100 does + 

minimum population 

size of 250

January 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-86

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

1h Pronghorn

Promote travel 

across 

landscape

(BIO-16)

Fences

All fences modified for 

pronghorn 

passage/unnecessary 

fences removed 

Anytime Not applicable to fire

15a Elk

Maintain and 

expand foraging 

habitat. 

(BIO-17)

Presence of elk

Elk use in 90% of the 

Avena belt within the 

CFN and CPN 

subregions.

November 

15b Elk

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

height for 

calving. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

>15 inches veg over 

80% of the calving area 

(within appropriate 

area?)

March-April 

15c Elk

Provide 

adequate water 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17)

available water water source every two 

miles year round 

15d Elk

Prevent cow 

displacement 

during calving 

SECONDARY 

(BIO-17)

 

15e Elk

Maintain or 

enhance calf-tocow ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

calf:cow Maintain a minimum of 

25 fawns/100 does July 

15f Elk

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

number of elk >= 500, including both 

sub herds. November 

15g Elk

Maintain bull-tocow ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

bull:cow

Maintain a minimum of 

25 bulls/100 cows + 

minimum population 

size of 250

November 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-87

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan PRESCRIBED FIRE

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Prescribed Fire

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of the 

Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions

Actions to test and 

evaluate

24a Grasshopper 

sparrow

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

structure for 

nesting 

PRIMARY. 

(BIO-4, BIO-8, 

BIO-18))

Vegetation 

structure 

Vegetation height = 10” 

to 20+”, composed of 

annual and/or perennial 

grasses with some 

scattered shrubs-w/a 

pref. for bunch grasses; 

height for perching and 

cover but open space 

for movement 

(patchiness)

Dec-Jan

Use prescribed fire on 

portions of habitat 

(rotation) when 

patchiness absent 

and herbaceous veg. 

too dense for 

movement, or when 

shrubs>20%.

 

24b Other grassland 

birds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8, BIO-18) 

27 tricolor 

blackbirds

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-8) 

28a

landscape scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

habitats

(BIO-8)

diversity of habitats 

28b

landscape scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

native spp within 

habitats

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

spp diversity within 

habitats

29 Long-billed 

curlew

30 Wintering 

Raptors

TBD (BIO-4, 

BIO-18) 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-89

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

Native plant species 

9a Caulanthus

Maintain 

distribution and 

size of existing 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Distribution and 

population size; 

reproducing 

populations

>= current levels January - 

May 

9b Caulanthus

Restore 

populations to 

areas of known 

historical range

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

Success 

(establishment 

and reproduction) 

of restored 

populations in 

historical range

Self-sustaining 

populations in 

introduced range

January - 

May 

reintroduce in 

historical range. 

19 wooly threads

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO -2, BIO-14

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate 

locations

>= current 

distribution and 

condition across 

landscape relative 

to year's 

precipitation 

Feb-Apr 

20a Lepidium 

jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in most 

years, large seed 

production 

occasionally (as in 

2008)

Apr-May 

20b Lepidium 

jaredii

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, 

some presence in 

known habitat, 

occasional large 

displays (as in 

2008)

Mar-May 

32a

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in most 

years, large seed 

production 

occasionally

Mar-May 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-90

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

32b

Amsinckia 

vernicosa var. 

furcata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, 

some presence in 

known habitat, 

occasional large 

displays 

Mar-May 

33a

Acanthominth

a obovata ssp. 

cordata (clay 

species)

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

reproduction

some seed 

production in most 

years, large seed 

production 

occasionally

Apr-Jul 

33b

Acanthominth

a obovata ssp. 

cordata

maintain or 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

population size

in most years, 

some presence in 

known habitat, 

occasional large 

displays (like in 

2008)

Apr-Jul 

22 Clay species

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

Presence/absence 

in known or 

appropriate 

locations

>= current 

distribution and 

condition across 

landscape relative 

to year's 

precipitation 

Mar-Jun 

31 vernal pools TBD 0 0 0

2a1

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

a. Seed 

production

[presence of 

inflorescences 

(sexual) or new 

genets (asexual)]

Presence of 

inflorescences in > 

50% of population

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(FebruaryMay)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-91

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2a2

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

b. Recruitment of 

new individuals 

and Retention of 

existing. Measure 

through cover and 

frequency.

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals.Maintain 

or enhance the 

average frequency 

of Poa secunda 

and Nassella spp. 

seedlings at more 

than 20 per plot 

during a five year 

period. Initiate 

active restoration 

when the average

frequency of Poa 

secunda and 

Nassella spp. 

seedlings is ≤ 10 

seedlings per 

plot.Frequency plot 

= large "inter-plot 

areas" 

February 

for 

seedlings; 

late spring 

(May/June) 

for new 

juveniles 

and adults

 

Experimentally test dormant season 

prescribed burning plus seeding of 

native perennial bunchgrasses, in select 

valley and foothill grassland areas 

where native perennial bunchgrasses 

are not currently present but could be 

established, for enhancement of native 

perennial bunchgrass recruitment (i.e., 

1) provide germination microsites for 

new bunchgrass species seedlings by 

reducing competition (biomass) from 

exotic annual grasses; 2) increase the 

number of native perennial bunchgrass 

seedlings in the community).

2a3

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain stable 

size structure; 

PRIMARY 

(maintain pop. 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Cover, basal 

diameter

Maintain range of 

sizes.

FebruaryMay 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-92

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2a4

a. Bunch 

grasses (Poa 

secunda, 

Nasella 

cernua, 

Nasella 

pulchra, 

Sitanion 

hystrix, 

Achnatherum 

speciosa)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution of 

bunch grass 

populations 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or 

enhance population 

boundary within 

'range of natural 

variation' (e.g. 

allowing for annual 

expansion and 

contraction

FebruaryMay 

2b1

b. 

Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance 

population patch 

size PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Patch size (e.g. 

%cover over 

larger scale)

Maintain or 

enhance patch size 

(No value for this 

variable yet)

Anytime 

(preferably 

peak 

growth 

period)

 

2b2

b. 

Rhizomatous 

species 

(Distichlis 

spicata, 

Leymus 

triticoides)

Maintain or 

enhance spatial 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Population 

boundary

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution (No 

value for this 

variable yet)

Anytime 

(peak 

growth 

period)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-93

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2c1

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain or 

enhance native 

annual species 

richness and 

cover PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Native annual 

species richness 

and cover

>= current levels.

Maintain or 

enhance the 

average relative 

cover of native 

annual plant 

species at more 

than 20% and the 

average native 

annual plant 

species richness at 

more than 5 during 

a five year period. 

Initiate active 

restoration when 

the average relative 

cover of native 

annual plant 

species is ≤ 20% 

and/or the average 

native annual plant 

species richness is 

≤ 3.5 during a five 

year period.

Plant cover and 

richness = 

Daubenmire plot.

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: 

JuneOctober

restoration 

pretreatment using 

herbicides.

enhance native 

species seed bank - 

island in landscape, 

range drill, and 

broadcast seed.

Experimentally test dormant season 

prescribed burning plus seeding of 

native annual forbs, in select valley and 

foothill grassland areas, for 

enhancement of native annual forb 

cover and richness (i.e., 1) reduce 

competition (biomass) from exotic 

annual grasses; 2) reduce seed 

limitation, increase the number and 

diversity of native annual forbs in the 

community).

2c2

c.

Native annual 

flora

Maintain native 

annual seed bank 

PRIMARY

(BIO-2, BIO-14)

Seed production 

during favorable 

years

"Adequate" 

proportion of 

population 

producing seeds

Varies 

depending 

on species 

(AprilOctober)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-94

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2c3

c.

Native annual 

flora

Reduce 

abundance of 

exotic annual 

grasses and forbs 

SECONDARY

(BIO-21)

% cover, richness, 

abundance, height 

of exotic species

< current levels

Springactive: 

March-May; 

Summeractive: 

JuneOctober

 

Evaluate the use of other methods to 

reduce exotic summer annuals 

(tumbleweeds?).
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-95

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2g Grassland 

Community

Maintain matrix of 

bunchgrasses and 

native annual 

plant species 

PRIMARY 

(Maintain 

community 

parameters)

(BIO-8)

Composition and 

% cover of nonbunchgrass plant 

species.

Frequency of Poa 

secunda and 

Nassella species 

seedlings; relative 

or absolute cover 

of native annual 

plant species; 

native annual 

plant species 

richness.

See 2a2 and 2c1. March-May

Experimentally test dormant season 

prescribed burning plus seeding of 

native perennial bunchgrass seedlings 

and native annual forb seeds, in select 

valley and foothill grassland areas 

where native perennial bunchgrasses 

are present, for enhancement of native 

perennial bunchgrass and native annual 

forb recruitment, i.e., 1) provide 

germination microsites for new 

bunchgrass species seedlings and 

enhance native annual forb cover by 

reducing competition (biomass) from 

exotic annual grasses; 2) increase the 

number of native perennial bunchgrass 

seedlings and the number and richness 

of native annual forb seedlings in the 

community. Experimentally test dormant 

season prescribed burning plus seeding 

of native perennial bunchgrasses 

seedlings and native annual forb seeds, 

in select valley and foothill grassland 

areas where native perennial 

bunchgrasses are not currently 

present, for enhancement of native 

perennial bunchgrass recruitment (i.e., 

1) provide germination microsites for 

new bunchgrass species seedlings and 

enhance native annual forb cover by 

reducing competition (biomass) from 

exotic annual grasses; 2) increase the 

number of native perennial bunchgrass 

seedlings and the number and richness 

of native annual forb seedlings in the 

community).
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-96

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2d

d.

Native 

perennial 

herbs & bulbs

TBD

(BIO-14) 0 0 

2e1

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Maintain or 

enhance current 

cover and 

population 

distribution 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

% cover, areal 

extent

Summer 

active: 

JuneNovember; 

Winter 

active: 

DecemberMay; 

depends on 

species

maintain/restore 

hydrology to 

promote seed 

distribution. Protect 

isolated shrubs 

(fence) to protect 

seed source. use 

grazing to provide 

germination 

microsites. Establish 

islands/strips to act 

as seed source.

 

2e2

e.

Native shrub 

flora (Atriplex 

polycarpa, 

Atriplex 

spinifera, 

Ephedra spp)

Recruitment in 

favorable years to 

maintain age 

structure 

PRIMARY

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Seedling survival 

during and 

following 

recruitment years

Recruitment and 

survival of new 

individuals; range 

of sizes and ages

Depends 

on species

maintain/restore 

hydrology to

promote seed 

distribution. Protect 

isolated shrubs 

(fence) to protect 

seed source.

Evaluate whether other tools can 

provide germination microsites and 

seedling establishment opportunities for 

native shrubs.

2e3

e. Native 

shrub flora: 

Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance the areal 

extent of this 

community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

acres

> or = to current 

amount

anytime 

(remote 

sensing)

 

2e4

e. Native 

shrub flora: 

Upper 

Sonoran SubShrub Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8, BIO-14)

Cover and 

richness of native 

spp. 

> current levels 0 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-97

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

2e6

e. Native 

shrub flora:

Valley Sink 

Scrub 

Community

Enhance native 

spp cover and 

richness within 

this community.

(BIO-8,BIO-14)

Cover and 

richness of native 

spp. 

> current levels 0 

2f1 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14)

reproduction 

(acorn production)

cyclical production 

(mast years) fall 

2f2 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

recruitment of new 

individuals

presence of 

seedlings/young 

trees

any 

2f3 f. blue and 

Alvord oaks

maintain and 

enhance 

populations

(BIO-14, BIO-8)

understory habitat

presence of intact 

soils, leaf litter, 

diverse humus 

biota

any 

17a soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

geographic extent increase of crust 

habitat any 

17b soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

diversity 

presence of a 

number of species 

(bryophytes, 

lichens, algae, 

cyanobacteria)

best during 

wet season 

17c soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

serial stage

mix of late and 

early successional 

species

best during 

wet season 

17d soil crusts

maintain and 

enhance habitat

(BIO-14)

physical integrity not broken during 

dry season, intact dry season 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-98

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

12

Noxious 

Weeds (Hoary 

Cress, 

Tamarisk, 

Russian 

Knapweed, 

Bull thistle, 

yellow star 

thistle)

Decrease or 

eliminate 

distribution and 

abundance of key 

invaders (see list) 

PRIMARY

(BIO-21)

presence; % 

cover, density

presence; <= 

distribution

Varies 

depending 

on species

Treat aggressively 

according to 

species. Monitor Cal 

IPC (California 

invasive plant 

council) list in event 

new species appear 

on Carrizo.

 

34

Annual forage 

on Section 15 

allotments

Manage annual 

biomass to protect 

soils from 

accelerated 

erosion and 

replenish soil 

nutrients through 

decomposition.

(BIO-1, BIO-8)

RDM 

RDM at least 500 

lbs/acre at 

beginning of the 

next growing 

season.

OctoberNovember 

Native animal species 

3a Giant 

Kangaroo Rat

Maintain or 

enhance current 

populations in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

GKR density 

(active) (over 

large scale)

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per 

hectare in core 

areas or in mosaic 

pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core 

area)

AugustSept 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-99

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

3b Giant 

Kangaroo Rat

Maintain or 

enhance 

distribution in core 

areas. PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Distribution of 

active GKR

Maintain at least 20 

individuals per 

hectare in core 

areas or in mosaic 

pattern in 

landscape (20 

individuals indicate 

treatment action 

needed in core 

area)

AugustSeptrelocate to 

appropriate sites. 

3c Giant 

Kangaroo Rat

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure in 

core areas. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM

RDM < 1600 

lbs/acre (dry mass) 

and GKR (>20 

individuals/hectare). 

fall, OctNov 

3d Giant 

Kangaroo Rat

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-100

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

3e Giant 

Kangaroo Rat

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 2, 

Non-core areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

distribution, and 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, TR, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CPN subregions.

Take action to 

prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument 

when variables in 

core areas continue 

to decline despite 

actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same 

timing as 

GKR core 

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. 

Test management actions to achieve 

core area effects in non-core areas 

when species thresholds at desired 

levels

4a

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

herbaceous 

structure in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO- 3)

Biomass 

(herbaceous layer 

only)

<500 optimal; 

<1000 ok

Spring -

Late April - 

Mid-May 

(post 

annual dryup; after 

peak 

production)

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-101

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

4b

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain or 

enhance 

population in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3)

Presence/absence

One or more 

individual observed 

on single visit in 

favorable 

conditions; several 

seen on repeated 

visits 

May and 

June

Avoid activities that 

may result in direct 

take and reduce 

habitat availability in 

core/occupied 

areas. Conduct in 

dry conditions to 

avoid burrow 

collapse 

 

4c

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

areas with 

unsuitable 

number/density of 

open/ available 

burrows in core 

areas.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 

(burrow 

availability) 

inadequate 

number/density of 

open/available 

burrows AND <5-

20% shrub cover

Anytime 

Restoration would 

be used to increase 

shrub cover to 

optimal levels (of 5-

20%). 

 

4d

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover in 

core areas. 

SECONDARY

BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-30% Anytime 

Restoration would 

not be used to 

achieve >30% shrub 

cover.

 

4e

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Maintain burrows 

in core areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Burrow density 

and distribution

Common and 

available.

Suitable burrows 

present with very 

few altered by 

human-induced 

causes.

Small mammal 

burrowing activity is 

evident and not 

reduced by 

management 

activities. Few 

(<10%) disturbed

Adults: 

MayAugust; 

hatchlings: 

July-August

Avoid management 

activities that reduce 

burrow availability

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-102

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

4f

Blunt-nosed 

Leopard 

Lizard

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 2, 

Non-core areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations, 

and herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

CFS.

Take action to 

prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument 

when variables in 

core areas continue 

to decline despite 

actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same 

timing as 

BNLL core 

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. 

Test management actions to achieve 

core area effects in non-core areas 

when species thresholds at desired 

levels

8a Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

populations in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox abundance >= current 

population size quarterly

Post signs to 

prevent vehicle 

strikes for dens near 

Soda Lake Rd.

 

8b Kit Fox

Monitor predator 

abundance in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Predator 

abundance

Below "detrimental" 

levels quarterly 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-103

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

8c Kit Fox

Maintain and 

enhance 

distribution in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Kit fox distribution >= current 

distribution quarterly 

8d Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover <30% Anytime 

8e Kit Fox

Maintain or 

enhance suitable 

habitat structure: 

veg. ht. in core 

areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

< Kit fox eyelevel (< 

8 inches); patch 

size?

Anytime 

8f Kit Fox

Maintain prey 

abundance 

(nocturnal 

rodents, other 

small mammals) 

in core areas.

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Abundance of 

nocturnal 

mammals 

(jackrabbits, 

cottontails, 

kangaroo rats, 

etc.)

Absence, low 

numbers (need to 

look at data to 

determine whether 

there are 

thresholds)

quarterly 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-104

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

8g Kit Fox

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the

Monument. (Alt 2, 

Non-core areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow suitable 

habitat structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, CPC, and 

SL subregions.

Take action to 

prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument 

when variables in 

core areas continue 

to decline despite 

actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same 

timing as 

SJKF core 

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. 

Test management actions to achieve 

core area effects in non-core areas 

when species thresholds at desired 

levels

10a

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat structure: 

herbaceous 

biomass in core 

areas. PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

fall RDM 

<1600 lbs/ acre and 

GKR (>20 

individuals per 

hectare)

Oct-Nov, 

before rains 

10b

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain/ enhance 

distribution in core 

areas. PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4)

Presence of 

individuals

>= existing 

distribution. 

2 or more 

individuals on std. 

transect used to 

locate core areas.

Spring 

through 

Summer

Apply seeding rates 

of shrubs that 

average <30% 

cover

figure out why SJAS are not 

present/declining. 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-105

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

10c

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Maintain suitable 

habitat 

structure:shrub 

cover in core 

areas. 

SECONDARY

(BIO-3, BIO-8)

Shrub cover 0-50% Anytime 

Apply seeding rates 

of shrubs that 

average <30% 

cover

 

10d

San Joaquin 

Antelope 

Squirrel

Prevent species 

disappearance 

from the 

Monument. (Alt 2, 

Non-core areas)

(BIO-4, BIO-15)

Allow populations,

suitable 

herbaceous 

structure to 

fluctuate naturally 

within non-core 

areas of CMS, 

PHEP, and CPC 

subregions.

Take action to 

prevent 

disappearance from 

the Monument 

when variables in 

core areas continue 

to decline despite 

actions already 

taken in core areas.

Same 

timing as 

SJAS core 

areas

The decision to 

apply management 

outside the core 

area, and what type 

of management to 

use, would follow 

the logic outlined in 

the Decision Tree 

table for 

management of SJV 

target species in 

non-core areas. 

Specific 

management 

actions would be 

based on 

evaluations of core 

area populations, 

the effectiveness of 

current 

management, and 

whether target 

animal populations 

are responding to 

current 

management. 

Test management actions to achieve 

core area effects in non-core areas 

when species thresholds at desired 

levels

30 bats - pallid TBD
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-106

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

18 Burrowing owl

Maintain current 

distribution and 

population size

(BIO-4)

nesting pairs with 

successfully 

fledged young

>= current levels late MayJuly

Minimize vehicle 

strikes - speed 

limits? Education? 

warning signs? 

Avoid indirect 

effects to nests and 

young owls - vehicle 

strikes, 

entombment.

 

11a Fairy Shrimp

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential pools

>= current 

frequency of 

occurrence across 

range

Late 

January - 

March

 

11b Fairy Shrimp

Replace and 

maintain cyst 

bank

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence of 

females with 

mature cysts

Presence of 

females with 

mature cysts

Late 

January - 

March 

 

13a Sphinx moth

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential 

occurrences

>= current 

distribution

Late 

January - 

midFebruary 

(adult 

emergence)

Avoid indirect 

impacts to moth and 

habitat - vehicle 

strikes? disturbance 

to habitat - no 

surface disturbance 

in known habitat

Research currently ongoing to 

determine impacts from various types of 

disturbance.

13b Sphinx moth

Maintain suitable 

habitat

BIO-4, BIO-8)

Sparsely 

vegetated 

washes with 

Camissonia 

campestris

Camissonia is 

common in 

favorable years

Late 

January - 

late March 

(plant 

presence)

Avoid indirect 

impacts to habitat - - 

no surface 

disturbance in 

known habitat that 

could preclude host 

plant maintenance.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-107

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

14 Spadefoot 

toad

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and range

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

of tadpoles in all 

known or other 

ponds

Water present long 

enough to complete 

life cycle

Breeding 

season: 

January - 

April 

Post signs to 

prevent trespass 

sheep grazing; use 

hand tools to 

remove vegetation 

around ponds when 

needed to prevent 

evapotranspiration.

 

16 Vernal pool 

invertebrates

Maintain current 

distribution, 

population size 

and species 

diversity

(BIO-4, BIO-12)

Presence/absence 

in all known or 

potential locations

water present long 

enough to complete 

life cycle

Late 

January - 

March

 

26 LeConte's 

thrasher

Maintain current 

nesting 

populations

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

Presence of LETH 

in suitable habitat

Persistence of 

current populations; 

suitable shrub 

cover for nesting 

structure; saltbush 

or ephedra >3’ in 

stands, found in 

drainages or alluvial 

fans; open/bare 

ground for foraging 

away from shrubs.

Jan-March

Avoid disturbance in 

drainages and 

alluvial fans. 

Restore shrubs 

when lost to fire or 

management 

actions.

 

5a Mountain 

Plover

Maintain at least 3 

of the core areas 

of 50-200 acres 

suitable for 

plovers by Sept. 1

if no suitable 

habitat available 

in non-core areas 

on the Monument.

PRIMARY

(BIO-3, BIO-4, 

BIO-5)

suitable by Sept 1 

thru when they 

leave

low vegetation (< 2 

inches )and patch 

size 

30 days 

before they 

arrive 

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-108

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

5b Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

shrub cover in 

core areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Shrub cover

< 5%; with 

minimum patch size 

of 50-200 acres; 

areas as little as 10 

acres may be used 

but larger preferred

OctoberNovember 

5c Mountain 

Plover

Maintain low 

biomass in core 

areas.

SECONDARY

(BIO-5, BIO-8)

Biomass <500 lbs/acre OctoberMarch 

29 condor TBD (BIO-6) lead free special 

rules? 

25 sandhill crane TBD (BIO-4)

1a Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for fawning 

PRIMARY.

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

15-25 inches 

herbaceous veg 

over 80% of the 

fawning area (areas 

of <15% slope)

March-April 

1b Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

shrub cover for 

fawning. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-16, BIO-8)

Shrub cover, 

density and 

distribution

patches of 5-30% 

cover; 15-25 inches 

tall, Distribution of 

patches?

Anytime 

1c Pronghorn

Maintain suitable 

forage. PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

Forb abundance 

and % cover

Maintain or exceed 

current cover and 

abundance of 

palatable forb 

species

Two 

sampling 

dates: 

MarchApril; 

August

 

1d Pronghorn

Provide adequate 

water PRIMARY

(BIO-16)

available water water source every 

two miles year round 

1e Pronghorn

Maintain or 

enhance fawn-todoe ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

fawn:doe 

Maintain a 

minimum of 25 

fawns/100 does

July 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-109

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

1f Pronghorn

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

number of 

pronghorn >= 250 January Don't hunt. Relocate more 

1g Pronghorn

Maintain buck-todoe ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-16)

buck:doe

Maintain a 

minimum of 25 

bucks/100 does + 

minimum 

population size of 

250

January 

1h Pronghorn

Promote travel 

across landscape

(BIO-16)

Fences

All fences modified 

for pronghorn 

passage/unnecess

ary fences removed 

Anytime 

Continue to modify 

fences to BLM 

standards or 

w/higher bottom 

wire; remove 

unnecessary fences

15a Elk

Maintain and 

expand foraging 

habitat. 

(BIO-17)

Presence of elk

Elk use in 90% of 

the Avena belt 

within the CFN and 

CPN subregions.

November 

15b Elk

Maintain suitable 

vegetation height 

for calving. 

PRIMARY

(BIO-17, BIO-8)

Vegetation height

>15 inches veg 

over 80% of the 

calving area (within 

appropriate area?)

March-April 

15c Elk

Provide adequate 

water PRIMARY

(BIO-17)

available water water source every 

two miles year round 

15d Elk

Prevent cow 

displacement 

during calving 

SECONDARY 

(BIO-17)

Restrict access 

during calving 

period.

 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-110

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

15e Elk

Maintain or 

enhance calf-tocow ratios 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

calf:cow 

Maintain a 

minimum of 25 

fawns/100 does

July 

15f Elk

Enhance 

population size 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

number of elk >= 500, including 

both sub herds. November

Appropriate hunt 

harvest. will accept 

translocations within 

habitat capacity

 

15g Elk

Maintain bull-tocow ratio 

SECONDARY

(BIO-17)

bull:cow

Maintain a 

minimum of 25 

bulls/100 cows + 

minimum 

population size of 

250

November

Reduce hunting 

pressure. Avoid 

conflicts with 

hunting seasons. 

 

24a Grasshopper 

sparrow

Maintain suitable 

vegetation 

structure for 

nesting 

PRIMARY. 

(BIO-4, BIO-8, 

BIO-18))

Vegetation 

structure 

Vegetation height = 

10” to 20+”, 

composed of 

annual and/or 

perennial grasses 

with some scattered 

shrubs-w/a pref. for 

bunch grasses; 

height for perching 

and cover but open 

space for 

movement 

(patchiness)

Dec-Jan

Use restoration to 

increase native 

bunch grasses in 

habitat or to create 

habitat.

 

24b

Other 

grassland 

birds

TBD (BIO-4, BIO8, BIO-18) 

27 tricolor 

blackbirds

TBD (BIO-4, BIO8) 

28a

landscape 

scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of 

habitats

(BIO-8)

diversity of 

habitats 
Attachment 5: CONSERVATION 

TARGET 

TABLE 

CARRIZO 

PLAIN 

NATIONAL 

MONUMENT Att-5-111

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan OTHER TOOLS

Management Objectives & Variables Management Guidelines: Other Restoration Tools

Conservation Target

Management

Target (Plan

Objective) Variable

Desired Value of 

the Variable

Time of 

year the 

variable 

should be 

measured

Actions and 

Constraints on the 

Actions Actions to test and evaluate

28b

landscape 

scale 

ecosystem 

functioning

Maintain the 

diversity of native 

spp within habitats

(BIO-4, BIO-8)

spp diversity 

within habitats

29 Long-billed 

curlew

TBD 

30 Winter 

Raptors

TBD (BIO-4, BIO18) 
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 6

Management of Lands With 

Wilderness Characteristics
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-6-1

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 6 

Management of Lands With Wilderness Characteristics

Management Direction

Management of Lands With Wilderness Characteristics is part of BLM’s multiple-use mandate, and is 

recognized within the spectrum of resource values and uses. Public lands with wilderness characteristics 

generally:

• Have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of humans substantially 

unnoticeable.

• Have outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation,

• Have at least five thousand acres of land or of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation 

and use in unimpaired condition, and

• Potentially containing ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or 

historical value.

With exceptions, public lands having wilderness characteristics should be managed to protect these 

values. In addition, they should augment multiple-use management of the CPNM and adjacent lands 

particularly for the protection of watersheds and water yield, wildlife habitat, natural plant communities, 

and similar natural values.

With exceptions, the following activities generally do not occur within lands having wilderness 

characteristics:

• Commercial enterprises 

• Permanent roads

• Temporary roads 

• Use of motor vehicles

• Use of motorized / Mechanized equipment 

• Use of motorboats

• Landing of aircraft 

• Mechanical transport

• Structures Installations

However, there are exceptions to these prohibitions and they are generally grouped into three categories:

• Valid Existing Rights. Prior-existing rights may continue. New discretionary uses that create valid 

existing rights are not allowed.

• Administrative Activities. New commercial activities or new permanent roads will not be authorized. 

BLM may authorize any of the other prohibitions if it is necessary to meet the minimum requirements 

to administer and protect the lands with wilderness character and to protect the health and safety of 

persons within the area.

• Other General Allowances. Subject to limitations determined by the State Director, general allowances 

could include actions necessary to control fire, insects, and diseases, recurring Federal mineral 

surveys, established livestock grazing, commercial services to the extent necessary for activities which 

are proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness character purposes and compatible with the 

defined values, and adequate access to inholdings.
Attachment 6: MANAGEMENT OF LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-6-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Specific Guidance

1. Emergencies. The use of motor vehicles and mechanical transport, and the construction of temporary 

roads, structures, and installations is allowed for emergency purposes and when consistent with the 

management principles of the CPNM.

2. Land Disposals, Rights-of-Ways, Use Authorizations. These lands will be retained in public ownership. 

They will not be disposed through any means, including public sales, exchanges, patents under the 

Recreation and Public Purposes Act, color of title Class II, desert land entries (except where a vested right 

was established prior to October 21, 1976) or State selections. Disposals may be permitted under normal 

BLM procedures for mining patents, color of title Class I, and desert land entries in which a vested right 

was established. Prior existing rights, such as leases under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, 

leases/permits under 43 CFR 2920, and rights-of-ways (ROWs) may continue. These also could be 

renewed if they are still being used for their authorized purpose. New authorizations, leases, permit, and 

ROWs will not be authorized since they are considered new valid rights.

3. Routes of Travel. The construction of new permanent roads will not be allowed. New temporary roads 

could be allowed if the BLM determines it is consistent with the objectives of this plan, if it is necessary 

to protect the health and safety of persons within the area, or if necessary to control fire, insects, nonnative invasive plants and diseases. Motorized or mechanized use of the existing routes is allowed subject 

to prescriptions outlined in the route designation process or stipulations identified in an authorization. 

Unless stipulated in the plan, any motorized or mechanized uses off those routes of travel will not be 

allowed.

4. Mining. There are no authorized mining operations in the Monument. All lands are withdrawn from 

mineral entry. Therefore there will be no mining operations. 

5. Mineral Leasing. Existing mineral leases represent a valid existing right. These rights are dependent 

upon the specific terms and conditions of each lease. Existing leases will be regulated to prevent 

unnecessary or undue degradation. No new oil and gas leases will be issued. 

6. Grazing. Existing livestock grazing, and the activities and facilities that support a grazing program are 

permitted to continue at the same level and degree, subject to any additional prescriptions. The 

construction of new grazing facilities would be permitted if they are primarily for the purpose of 

protecting wilderness characteristics and more effective management of resources, rather than to 

accommodate increased numbers of livestock. 

7. Fire Management. Fire management will be consistent with Bureau policy. Fires must be controlled to 

prevent the loss of human life or property. They must also be controlled to prevent the spread of fires to 

areas outside of Lands With Wilderness Character where life, resources, or property may be threatened. 

Human caused wildfires will be prevented and/or controlled. Prescribed fires are allowed in conformity 

with a fire management plan so long as it consistent in improving or maintaining the areas wilderness 

character. Minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) will be applied to the extent possible. 

8. Forest/Vegetation Health. Insects, disease, and non-native invasive species may be controlled if 

determined that it is necessary to meet the minimum requirements to administer and protect these lands. 

Insect and disease outbreaks must not be artificially controlled, except to protect valuable resources 

outside the Land With Wilderness Character, or in special instances when the loss to resources within 

these lands is undesirable. Vegetative manipulation to control non-native invasive species is allowed 
Attachment 6: MANAGEMENT OF LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-6-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

when there is no effective alternative and when the control is necessary to maintain the natural ecological 

balances within the area. Control may include manual, chemical, and biological treatment provided it will 

not cause adverse impacts to the wilderness character. 

9. Recreation. Primitive and unconfined recreational uses such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, 

hunting etc. are allowed on these lands. Recreational uses will not be allowed if they require:

• Motor vehicles or mechanical transport (e.g, mountain bikes) off routes designated as open or limited 

as designated through the route designation process.

• Permanent structures or installations (other than tents, tarpaulins, temporary corrals, and similar 

devices for overnight camping). 

New commercial services will not be allowed unless they are necessary for realizing the primitive and 

unconfined recreational values. An example of an allowed commercial service would be an outfitting and 

guide service. Existing commercial recreational authorizations may be allowed to continue under its terms 

and conditions to their expiration date.

 

10. Cultural and Paleontological Resources. Cultural and paleontological resources are recognized as 

unique and valuable. They are also important supplemental values to an area’s wilderness character. 

Resource inventories, studies, and research involving surface examination may be permitted if it benefits 

wilderness values. This same standard applies for the salvage of archeological and paleontological sites; 

rehabilitation, stabilization, reconstruction, and restoration work on historic structures; excavations; and 

extensive surface collection may also be permitted for a specific project.Permanent physical protection, 

such as fences, will be limited to those measures needed to protect resources eligible for the National 

Register of Historic Places and will be constructed so as to minimize impacts on apparent naturalness.

11. Wildlife Management. Wildlife resources are a special feature that may contribute to an area’s 

wilderness character. Whenever possible, these resources should be managed to maintain that character. 

Nothing will be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State agencies with 

respect to wildlife management on these lands. Hunting is a legitimate activity on these lands. The State 

establishes regulations and enforcement for these uses. State wildlife agencies and the BLM are 

responsible for fostering a mutual understanding and cooperation in the management of wildlife. 

Management activities on these lands will emphasize the protection of natural processes. Management 

activities will be guided by the principle of doing the minimum necessary to manage the area to preserve 

its natural character. Management of public lands having wilderness character will follow the guidelines 

provided in the Memorandum of Understanding between the BLM and the International Association of 

Fish and Wildlife Agencies. It will also follow any additional site-specific wildlife decisions addressed 

through the land use planning process.
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 7

Supplementary Rules for Public Use
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-7-1 

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Attachment 7

Supplementary Rules for Public Use

Supplementary rules complement local, state, and federal laws and regulations, to increase public safety 

and protect sensitive resources. These rules are not intended to unduly interfere with the public use and 

enjoyment of the CPNM, but to enhance that use by providing protection for the area so that its natural 

qualities will be maintained or enhanced in the future. Preliminary text to be included in the new rules, as 

well as text from existing rules, is provided below for general information purposes. Any new rules will 

be formalized through a Federal Register notice and rulemaking process that will be initiated upon 

completion of the RMP.

Existing Rules

Establish shooting closures to protect visitors within the following high-use areas:

• Within 1⁄4 mile of any Administrative site, including but not limited to the Selby and KCL 

Campgrounds, Washburn, Saucito, Goodwin and MU Ranch headquarters, the Soda lake Overlook 

complex and the Wallace Creek interpretive area.

• Beginning at the intersection of Soda Lake Road and Selby Road, southerly along Selby Road to its 

intersection with a fence line behind Painted Rock, then westerly along that fence line to its 

intersection with the section fence line, then northerly along the section fence line to its intersection 

with Soda Lake Road, then southerly back to the beginning.

Recreational target shooting is prohibited in the CPNM.

The Washburn Administrative Site and the MU, Goodwin, Saucito, and Painted Rock ranches 

headquarters may be closed to public access at the discretion of the BLM or the managing partners.

Sulphur Springs are closed to public access except under permit from BLM. Painted Rock is closed to 

public access from March 1 through July 15 except for tours conducted by the managing partners. It is 

open to public access at other times, subject to special closure for resource protection at the discretion of 

BLM.

Operation of any vessel, including aircraft, hovercraft, and boats of any kind, or any vehicle equipped 

with an engine or motor for propulsion is prohibited on or within 100 feet of Soda Lake or any adjacent 

stream, channel, dry lake, or body of water.

Vehicles parked adjacent to any designated route of travel must be parked as close to the route as possible 

without preventing passage of other vehicles.

All roads, routes, paths, trails, fire lines, burned areas, and ways are closed to motor vehicles unless 

designated open for such use. Open roads may be closed temporarily at the discretion of the managing 

partners for public safety or resource protection. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit within the 

CPNM shall be 25 mph except on county roads. Vehicles are limited to designated routes only. No crosscountry travel is permitted unless authorized.

No person, other than employees on official business or representatives of the managing partners, may 

operate a motor vehicle on any route designated for administrative use only, except by prior approval of 

the managing partners.
Attachment 7: SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR PUBLIC USE

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-7-2

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Bicycles may not be operated on closed roads or trails, or off existing open roadways or trails. Roads 

designated for administrative use only are open to bicycle, pedestrian, and casual horse use unless 

otherwise posted.

All litter, waste, or refuse at campsites must be kept within a container or receptacle while camping and 

removed when leaving the CPNM. 

All camping or overnight parking must occur within designated camping areas and campgrounds.

Property left unattended for more than four days, without prior approval of the managing partners, will be 

treated as abandoned and may be removed and stored by law enforcement personnel at the owner’s 

expense.

Overnight camping is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period, for no more than 28 days within a 1-year 

period, except as specified in writing by the authorized officer. Camping is allowed only within 

designated campgrounds and camping areas. Note: “Camping areas” in this existing rule are zones within 

the CPNM open to camping. The boundaries of these zones are described in visitor information.

When livestock grazing is occurring under permit from BLM, the primary purpose of all appurtenant 

facilities such as corrals and loading chutes will be for the permittee’s livestock.

Camping or overnight parking is prohibited within 200 yards of a natural or artificial water source.

All pets and pack animals must be controlled by the owner at all times. Pack animals shall be within 

corrals or adequately restrained. Pets must be prevented from chasing, harassing, or taking wildlife.

Organized groups with 20 or more persons or 5 or more vehicles must secure a permit for any day or 

overnight use.

Any research or study activities will require a permit or authorization from BLM.

The use of metal detectors is prohibited, except for approved administrative purposes.

Supplementary Rules for Public Use Proposed Under this RMP

Any paintball, airsoft, or like weapon is prohibited from use on the CPNM.

In coordination with CDFG, eliminate varmint (non-game species) hunting on the Monument.

Still and video photography of the pictograph images at Painted Rock and other rock art sites in the 

Monument are prohibited for commercial purposes.

Permit is required to access Painted Rock. The details on how to obtain a permit and the rules to be 

followed are in Appendix X of this document.

A 1,204-acre area from Painted Rock to Selby Rocks is closed to horses, livestock, dogs, and the 

discharge of firearms. The closed area does not include Selby Road or Caliente Mountain Road (see Map 

2-2). 
Attachment 7: SUPPLEMENTARY RULES FOR PUBLIC USE

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT Att-7-3

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Only street-legal vehicles are permitted on routes within the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Nonstreet-legal vehicles are prohibited with the following exceptions:

• When used for authorized, permitted, and administrative purpose, including those used in emergency 

situations.

• When used on a portion of the Temblor Ridge Road from T. 31 S., R. 21 E., Sec. 23 (Crocker Grade 

Road) to T. 11 N., R. 24 W., Sec. 7 allowing connectivity to the eastern slopes of the Temblors. 

Staging for OHV activities and trailing of OHV vehicles is prohibited along Temblor Ridge Road.

Competitive / recreational events shall not include the release of nonnative or captive-held native species. 

Pets shall remain leashed at all developed sites including visitor centers, interpretive overlooks, and 

camping areas. 
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

MAPS

Map 1-1: Vicinity Map

Map 1-2: Physical Features and Planning Area Boundary

Map 3-1: Carrizo Plain Subregions

Map 3-2: Special Status Animals

Map 3-3: Pronghorn and Elk Habitat

Map 3-4: Special Status Plants

Map 3-5: Fire Protection Providers

Map 3-6: National Register of Historic Places.

Map 3-7: Grazing Allotments

Map 3-8: Visitor Services and Recreation

Map 3-9: Oil and Gas Wells within the Carrizo Plain National Monument

Map 3-10: Producing Oil Fields in the Carrizo Plain National Monument

Map 3-11: Land Ownership Status

Map 3-12: Land Status and Withdrawals

Map 3-13: Infrastructure

 

Map 4-1: Painted Rock Exclusion Zone

Map 4-2: Recreation Management Zones and Route Designations

Map 4-3: Lands Managed for Wilderness Characteristics

Map 4-4: Livestock Grazing Allocations

www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 

www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels 
www.blm.gov/ca/bakersfiels