Long-toed salamander habitat up for review
August 2010
The public has until August 30 to comment on the Environmental Assessment and management plan for the next 15 years for the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is located south and east of La Selva Beach between Manresa State Beach and Highway 1. Copies of the draft plan and other information can be found at http://www.fws.gov. Type “Ellicott Slough NWR” in the search window. For more information, email Sandy Osborn,
. Include “Ellicott Slough CCP” in the subject line of the message.
The nearly 300-acre Ellicott Slough NWR consists of three noncontiguous units. The refuge was established in 1975 to protect the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the Refuge is currently closed to the public. This CCP process will determine whether any wildlife-dependent recreation should be made available to the public.
Three alternatives exist in the plan. Alternative A is no action; the refuge would continue to be closed to the public.
In Alternative B, the preferred alternative, Fish and Wildlife would improve the habitat for the salamander, develop a trail system, expand on-site restoration education with local schools, and develop in-class environmental education among other actions.
Alternative C includes all actions of Alternative B plus additional natural resource surveys, expanded control of invasive vegetation, reintroduction of listed plants, and improved outreach to the community.
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