For Release: February 27, 2004
Contact: Gary Taylor (760) 337-4422; Stephen Razo (909)697-5217
CDD-04-24

Multi-species Monitoring Program Begins at Imperial Sand Dunes

The Bureau of Land Management has initiated a four month multi-species monitoring program at the Imperial Sand Dunes that will likely set a baseline for future population estimates of the Pierson's milkvetch.

Working with the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO), 33 interns will complete a two week, on-site training period and then proceed with a monitoring program that includes the Pierson's milkvetch, Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizard, microphyll woodland, and songbird surveys. During the four month program, 70 microphyll woodland plots will be surveyed, at least 150 milkvetch transects, and 67 Colorado Desert fringe-toed Lizard transects will be completed.

According to Christopher Knauf, BLM El Centro Field Office program coordinator, "This is the largest monitoring program we have conducted in the Dunes, and it encompasses a wide variety of monitoring that contributes to an ecosystem level of understanding."

According to the as yet to be implemented recreation area management plan (RAMP) for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA), long-term and in-depth monitoring would be required to meet the monitoring standards set forth in the ISDRA monitoring plan attached to the RAMP.

Although the Record of Decision has not been signed, BLM is required to conduct this monitoring to establish baseline population counts to be used in implementing the Biological Opinion. This information will also be needed to make more informed decisions with regard to land management practices.

The 33 pedestrian surveyors will be monitoring throughout the dunes until June 05, 2004. For further information contact Gary Taylor at (760) 337-4422

-BLM-

California Desert District Office
22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, CA