Science Strategy for Cotoni-Coast Dairies, an Onshore Unit of the California Coastal National Monument.

Science is a formal part of managing National Conservation Lands, formally called the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), and national monuments and national conservation areas are required to develop and regularly update science strategies through a science planning process. Established in 2000, the California Coastal National Monument encompasses the entire 1,100-mile coastline of California, including the reefs, islands, rocks, and pinnacles present above mean high tide within 12 nautical miles from the shoreline. Onshore lands of the monument occur in six units, one of which is Cotoni-Coast Dairies (the unit). Near Davenport in Santa Cruz County, Cotoni-Coast Dairies extends from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the marine coastal terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This science strategy describes the scientific mission of the unit, science previously conducted on or near the unit, and partners who have contributed to produce this science. Further, it identifies priority science needs, outlines the unit’s plan to meet those science needs in coordination with partners, shares scientific protocols for conducting new research, and identifies systems of communication to help ensure science information generated from this research is shared throughout the BLM, with partners, and with the public. The fundamental goals of the science strategy are to support and expand partnerships, while identifying priority science information needs of unit management and partners, and clearly outline pathways for conducting, communicating, and applying that science. The strategy was developed in accordance with BLM Manual 6220, which provides guidance for science strategy content. Science needs were identified through conversations with unit staff and scientific and management partners. The science needs reflect the information needed to effectively manage the resources, objects, and values for which the unit was designated. Information generated through this planning process and implementation of this science strategy can inform future management actions in Cotoni-Coast Dairies. This science strategy is an evolving publication that will be revised and updated, as needed.