Past Projects
CA-CESU facilitates a variety of projects each year, across diverse fields of study. To learn more about previous CA-CESU projects, explore the descriptions below. To find information about current and ongoing projects, please visit our Projects page.
Monitoring and Outreach for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons
Years Active: 2022-2023
PI: Dave Garcelon (Institute for Wildlife Studies)
Bald eagles and peregrine falcons were extirpated from the Channel Islands by the 1960s, largely as a result of DDTs that were manufactured and distributed in southern California. Protected habitat on the Channel Islands has provided the best opportunity for bald eagle and peregrine falcon reintroduction and conservation in southern California. Since the 1980s, IWS has been involved in the rearing, feeding, release, and monitoring of bald eagles on the Channel Islands. Similar work on peregrines was initiated by the Santa Cruz Predator Research Group during this same time period.
As a result of reintroduction and restoration activities the Channel Islands now support a bald eagle population of over 60 individuals and a nesting population of at least 50 pairs of peregrine falcons. As of 2021, there were 21 known bald eagle pairs on five islands, including 11 pairs within the park. The expanded field effort in 2022 will focus on ground searches for known and new active bald eagle and peregrine falcon nests, determination of the fate of nests, banding of chicks in accessible nests, collection and measurement of eggshells for thinning, analysis of prey remains, and preparation of a written annual report.
Impacts of Soil Inoculation on the Decomposition of European Beachgrass in Point Reyes National Seashore
Years Active: 2022-2023
PI: Rachel Gallery and Albert Barberán (University of Arizona)
Point Reyes National Seashore collaborated with the University of Arizona, a member of the Desert Southwest CESU, on microbial studies related to coastal dunes at Point Reyes. The park has worked to effectively restore these systems after being invaded for decades by non-native invasive plant species. The Seashore contains some of the highest quality remaining coastal dune habitat in the nation. Park legislation mandates the protection of diminishing coastline and specifically calls for the preservation of declining coastal dune habitat. However, this habitat has been seriously threatened by the encroachment of European beachgrass and iceplant since they were planted in the early 1900s. As of the late 1990s, these species accounted for 60% of the Seashore’s 2,200 acres of coastal bluff, dune, and scrub habitat.
The park has used a combination of manual and mechanical removal and herbicide treatment to remove 271 acres of invasive European beachgrass and ice plant from 525 acres of dune habitat. Although the European beachgrass was successfully controlled by herbicide treatment, beachgrass litter remained undecomposed for over 5 years. This leaves pronounced legacy effects on soil organic matter and microbial community composition. In this project, DNA was extracted from soil samples to evaluate the impacts of varying levels of applied native soil inoculum. Researchers evaluated how these changes affected the decomposition of European beachgrass in litter bags. They hypothesized that soil inoculation from uninvaded dune scrub could accelerate the decomposition of beachgrass litter in herbicide-treated sites by restoring the soil microbial communities and the abundance of microbial decomposers.
The findings from this project were published online in Restoration Ecology in November 2024. Results revealed that soil inoculation, regardless of the inoculation level, did not accelerate the decomposition of European beachgrass. Soil inoculation increased the richness and compositional homogeneity of soil microbial communities, along with the relative abundances of wood saprotrophic fungi, soil saprotrophic fungi, and lichenized fungi. Although these findings demonstrate the potential of soil inoculation, the cost-effectiveness limits its feasibility in accelerating the delayed decomposition of European beachgrass litter in Point Reyes.
To learn more, read the article at https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14344.
Sandy Beach Monitoring Power Analysis
Years Active: 2021-2023
PI: Bob Miller (University of California, Santa Barbara)
The Mediterranean Coast Network Inventory and Monitoring Program identified monitoring certain coastline beaches to be a high priority "Vital Sign" within the Mediterranean Coast Network monitoring program. UCSB and NPS investigators will work together to analyze data collected from 2009 to 2020 at Channel Islands National Park to determine whether the sandy beach monitoring program meets modern program objectives. A power analysis will be conducted to determine the statistical power to detect trends over time given the current sampling regime.
NPS and UCSB staff will determine population trends for species that have sufficient data collected and data analysis approaches will be identified. For four key species, the power to detect trends in population numbers or size frequency of 20%, 40%, and 50% change over 10-year and 20-year periods will be determined. Current methodology used to quantify beach wrack will be assessed and improvements will be suggested.
Molecular Bark Beetle Identification for Managing Novel Giant Sequoia Death
Years Active: 2021-2023
PI: Seth Davis (Colorado State University)
Giant sequoias have long been known for their immunity to fatal insect attack, but during the last seven years 33 large sequoias in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have been killed through novel interactions. These novel interactions include hotter drought, fire, and the Phloeosinus bark beetle. Options for controlling beetle populations, and thus reducing sequoia death, depend heavily upon species and/or host race of the beetle.
This project seeks to use molecular approaches to identify the beetle. Using molecular and behavioral approaches, the Phloeosinus beetle that attacks sequoias will be identified. Giant sequoia groves within the NPS Castle Fire perimeter will be surveyed to detect bark beetle attacks. If detected, plans will be developed to treat attacked trees with test beetle traps. This project's work will help strengthen forest management of forest pests which will improve the health of the giant sequoias. This project also supports training opportunities for students and biologists.
Backcountry Archaeological Inventory and Condition Assessments at Channel Islands National Park
Years Active: 2021-2023
PI: Douglass Kennett (University of California, Santa Barbara)
This project will provide baseline data for archaeological resources at Channel Islands National Park in targeted, at-risk areas. This project will include inventory, documentation, and condition assessment in backcountry areas on Santa Rosa Island. A GIS-based inventory strategy was developed to prioritize island work areas which involved tribal consultation to incorporate tribal concerns and priorities for documentation and treatment. Professional, peer-reviewed, report of findings, new and updated archeological site records, condition assessments, and GIS data will be produced for park management to consume. Field work involved eight 8-day tours of Santa Rosa Island.
Ant Inventory at Cabrillo National Monument to Assess Re-introduction of Coastal Horned Lizards
Years Active: 2021-2023
PI: David Holway (University of California, Los Angeles)
To assess the feasibility of re-introduction of the Coastal Horned Lizard, this project seeks to understand the current condition of the ant community in Cabrillo National Monument. This assessment of the ant community would account for the overall current abundance of native ants and their spatial distribution. Simple distribution models were used to guide decisions about where in Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area initial releases of horned lizards should occur. Occupancy of ants was determined by species across major habitats in both summer and winter for 2 years. Distributions of invasive Argentine ants and native ants were tested to determine if populations vary inversely by year.
Genetic Testing of Separated Populations at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Years Active: 2020-2023
PI: Bradley H. Shaffer (University of California, Los Angeles)
The 101 Freeway is the most critical road barrier for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Urban development has also been extensive along the 101, and consequently, very few places still have natural habitat up to the freeway on either side. Constructing a wildlife crossing structure across 101 in the Liberty Canyon Area has been a goal for many years.
To accomplish this, Dr. Shaffer's lab will extract DNA from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area samples and conduct analyses of population genetic differences for separated populations. Park staff collected genetic samples for various targeted species. Dr. Shaffer's lab extracted DNA from the samples for these species to test an analysis of population genetic structure. The goal is to understand how differentiated populations of these species are both across the freeway and at various distances on the same side of the freeway.
This project will provide critical scientific information about the impacts of freeways and development on population genetic structure for the chosen species. While information has been gathered on the effects of urbanization on larger wildlife species, this work focuses on smaller vertebrates. This work will also allow researchers to directly measure the future success of the proposed infrastructure facility.
Assessing Endangered Black Abalone Recruitment
Years Active: 2019-2023
PI: Dr. Pete Raimondi (University of California, Santa Cruz)
The federally endangered black abalone underwent massive population declines from disease, overharvesting, and habitat modification. High risk of extinction exists at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore based on low numbers of mature individuals and limited distribution. Channel Islands National Park has significantly higher densities, but only one percent of historical populations persists in the park. All three parks are identified as high value critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act.
Slow or nonexistent recovery throughout the range is likely due to poor larval supply and/or habitat availability. Recruitment levels are not well known because abalone larvae are nearly undetectable with non-destructive surveys. To identify recruitment, we propose to deploy dismantle-able modules that mimic the preferred habitat of larvae. The presence of recruits on modules and concurrent absence in natural environments may indicate a problem associated with habitat.
Spring Juvenile Salmonid Species Use and Interaction
Years Active: 2022
PI: Darren Ward (California Polytechnic University, Humboldt)
This is the first time Chinook salmon have been observed in all coho bearing streams in Marin County. It is currently not understood how the presence of Chinook salmon will affect endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead. Currently, Golden Gate National Recreation Area permits the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to release juvenile Chinook salmon at Fort Baker. It is possible that these releases are contributing to higher numbers of adult Chinook salmon straying to coastal San Francisco Bay Area streams. The main goal of this study is to document the use of juvenile Chinook in Redwood and Olema Creeks, with special emphasis focused on documenting juvenile salmonid interactions as they progress through the spring rearing period of their life cycle.
Archaeological Data Recovery Program for the Fort Barry Rifle Range
Years Active: 2021-2022
PI: Thomas Whitney (Sonoma State University)
Previous archeological reports from Sonoma State University on Fort Barry recommend an additional phase of research on three additional sites: the 100- and 200-yard berms and the area between the 100-yard berm and backstop at the pistol firing line. This project conducts and reports on the historic archeological research and field investigations of the above-mentioned portions of the Fort Barry Rifle Range.
Specific measures were taken to address the questions regarding the differential use of weaponry throughout the lifespan of the Fort Barry Rifle Range by sampling portions of all firing berms. The more distant sites plus the area between the 100-yard berm and the forestop help cover all portions. Sampling portions will be based on the results of ground-penetrating radar and metal detecting surveys, as well as the removal of lead bearing soils by the Corps of Engineers.
Post-wildfire Analysis of Joshua Trees and Banana Yucca
Years Active: 2021-2022
PI: Lynn Sweet (University of California, Riverside)
Wildfire is a significant force influencing vegetation worldwide; and where its frequency or intensity departs from natural or culturally-imposed historical intervals, it represents a real and present environmental threat. The Mojave National Preserve protects a rich diversity of plant species, including Eastern Joshua trees (Yucca jaegeriana) and banana yucca (Yucca baccata), both of which were found in great numbers within the Joshua tree woodland burned in the 2020 Dome Fire on Cima Dome. Generally, this vegetation does not readily recover from large and intense wildfires.
The study will provide qualitative and quantitative data for the purpose of interpretation and resource management. Specifically, the quantitative data will address rates of survival for two Yucca species based on size-class, pre-existing surrounding vegetation, topography, and other biogeographic factors. The qualitative data will be most impactful as an informative interactive online map with photos of past and present conditions. Photographic evidence is invaluable for describing intangible elements of an ecosystem, demonstrating change over time in a way that is easily understandable and readily communicated.
Identification of Unique Resource Types at Amache
Years Active: 2021-2022
PI: Dana Shew (Sonoma State University)
This project seeks to create a resource study of Amache, a concentration camp for Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through a comparative analysis format, the final report lends greater insight and contextualization of Amache history. Literature and other key sources of information were drawn upon to summarize existing Amache history. Resource types represented by Amache were identified and a NPS public input campaign with over 5,000 comments helped contextualize the public's input. Gaining a deeper understanding of Amache history allows for the identification of historical themes that aid in park engagement. Audiences who visit the site of Amache have a more powerful and visceral experience and understanding of the site. This encourages the public to become active stewards of the Amache site and history.
Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Program
Years Active: 2021-2022
PI: Pete Raimondi (University of California, Santa Cruz)
NPS Inventory and Monitoring programs conduct long-term intertidal monitoring programs to track and understand the health and threats to intertidal resources. These data sets span at least 20 years and cover the Mediterranean, North Coast and Cascades, and San Francisco Bay Area NPS Inventory and Monitoring networks. This project seeks to bring existing NPS data into UCSC databases for analysis so that comprehensive trend reports can be created to inform management.
Existing NPS data will be brought into UCSC databases for analysis and preliminary analyses will be reviewed for discussion and next steps. The Mediterranean Coast network will have its monitoring program protocols reviewed and updated. The North Coast and Cascades network will be provided annotated code to be used in future analyses, and the San Francisco Bay Area network will be provided a comprehensive trend report.
Supporting the Inclusion of Women's Stories in Park Education and Media
Years Active: 2020-2022
PI: Ellen Hartigan-O'Connor (University of California, Davis)
To commemorate the 19th Amendment and women involved in National Park history, this cooperative agreement seeks to generate accessible, professional-quality content to be used in park and regional commemorative activities, interpretation, and education programs. The completion of a peer-reviewed essay establishes a thematic framework for identifying and interpreting women's contributions to the history of the Regions. Biographical sketches of notable women associated with the Regions' park supplement the thematic essay. Access to professional-quality research and interpretive content helps achieve greater relevance, reach new audiences, and enrich activities commemorating the 29th Amendment. This project is also a starting point for future research, documentation, and interpretation of themes in women's history.
Macroinvertebrate Assemblages along the Tuolumne River
Years Active: 2021
PI: Jeff Holmquist (University of California, Los Angeles)
This research seeks to understand the ecological effects of river regulation through observing the ecological health of the Tuolumne River. To assess the ecological health of the Tuolumne River, researchers examined BMI, periphyton, and physical river features. Researchers also assessed water samples to determine nutrient levels among sites which could be a driver of algal growth. Analyzing the effects of river regulation helps park managers minimize the biological effects of dams and other impoundments.
Behavioral Response of Rock Crabs to the EMF of Subsea Cables and Potential Impact to Fisheries
Researchers: Erin Jaco (Vantuna Research Group at Occidental College), Donna Schroeder (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), and commercial crab fisherman Captain Steve Escobar.
2022 Film by Shaun Wolfe
Offshore wind is coming to the West Coast of the United States to help increase the supply of renewable energy and combat climate change. Underwater cables transfer energy from offshore wind turbines to shore – but do the associated electromagnetic fields affect marine species in a way that negatively affects the commercial fishing industry? Watch the video to learn more about the issue, the experiment, and the result.